The Clacton Express Preservation Group has revealed that following ongoing attempts with a number of heritage groups that their endeavours to save the unit have been unsuccessful.

The group’s storage contract with the Lavender Line has now ended and, unfortunately, a new agreement has not been achieved. The vehicles on site are currently being removed and will sadly head for disposal.

The group has reported via a press release on its Facebook page that it is saddened by this outcome with the following comments:

“This is sad news for everyone involved after a huge amount of time and effort has gone into the restoration of these vehicles, to make them airtight, and to now have them almost operational. The brake pipes were sealed 3 weeks ago and are ready for testing, making it a viable push-pull 3 car unit.”

The group has spent a great deal of effort looking to secure a new home with the support of their benefactor, who intended to step back at the start of the year but has remained steadfastly in place to try and resolve the group’s future. Unfortunately, despite every effort and multiple avenues explored to see the vehicles saved for the future, none have been fruitful.

Due to the terrible circumstances the group has found itself in, its benefactor has kindly offered to provide the vehicles for free to any good home. The offer extends to non-railway sites and features only one condition and that is to maintain the conservation agreement which is placed on the vehicles.

If this last attempt to re-home what is one of just a few complete examples of an AC EMU is unsuccessful within the month, disposal will be the only option remaining.

Anybody who feels that they can give the unit a home is urged to get in touch as a matter of urgency. The unit could be repurposed and suit a private station site or even converted to support a cafe or community space.

To get in touch, please email [email protected]