The Midland Railway Centre at Ripley in Derbyshire has experienced another bout of mindless vandalism.
The latest incident happened on the evening of Tuesday, 18th June, when the Swanwick Junction site was maliciously attacked.
Extensive damage was caused to the demonstration signal box, toilet block, and fencing, and graffiti was scrawled on signs and a bench.
The railway has suffered bouts of vandalism in the past, with windows being smashed in a carriage at Butterley.
In April extensive graffiti was scrawled on two 1980s Pacer diesel units Nos. 141113 and 142011 at Butterley, causing an estimated £5,000 of damage and volunteers worked throughout the following day to remove the graffiti before serious damage could be caused to the vehicles’ paintwork.
Last year, intruders broke into Butterley station and smashed windows, memorial benches, railway vehicles, and damaging the station and buffet.
The latest damage has been reported to Derbyshire Constabulary.
As the Midland Railway Centre is a volunteer-led charity, any money and time spent on putting the damage right will be at the expense of funds and time that could have gone towards making improvements for the railway’s volunteers and visitors.
The volunteers are dedicated individuals who give up their time and expense to restore and maintain the railway to secure it for future generations.
Anything such as this vandalism is always heartbreaking, and it is sad that a few individuals feel it is acceptable to do this.
Because of the damage, the demonstration signal box will remain closed to visitors until a replacement door can be manufactured. However, it is hoped that the toilets will be available for next weekend.
Unfortunately, incidents of vandalism on heritage railways seem to be increasing, such as
a carriage that was destroyed after being deliberately set alight at the Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway in April.
Responses
Hope they find out who did this, they’re under 16, then the parents should pay for it. Hopefully then they’ll take better control over there children. My kids wouldn’t have dared, one look from there mother would have been enough. If they are under 16, the kids are under age, report the parents to social services and get the police to prosecute them also make them pay. If they are over 16, get them to site and make them spend every weekend and evening cleaning the site up and local area.
Absolutely disgusting why do they do stuff like this
If they find the people responsible they want to fine them for the damage if they have money if not there parents should be made to pay then get the individuals involved in the village stocks and throw rotten food at them.
I think a few covert high quality CCTV cameras are needed here in order to catch what are clearly feral brats. So sorry for the railway volunteers. Sadly, this is nothing new.