Aln Valley Railway to stay closed during holidays: Summer season ruled out by Northumberland tourist attraction due to safety concerns

The decision has been taken by the board following a review of Covid-19 advice.

“It has now been decided that the railway cannot yet safely reopen to visitors, until after the end of September this year at the earliest,” said the board in a statement.

"This means that all of the 2020 summer special events have now, unfortunately, been cancelled.

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"The board will continue to review the situation, and will issue further bulletins regarding the end-of-year events such as the Halloween Ghost Trains, Santa, and Mince Pie Specials.”

On a positive note, the board added: “Due to exceptional generosity by members and others, the finances are able to withstand the enforced summer and autumn closure."

A recent ‘One Lump or Two’ 2021 coal fund appeal has had a good response.

A decision has also been made to cancel the first half of the Aln Valley Railway’s winter 2020-21 season of railway talks.

These were scheduled to take place, between September and December, for members and visitors, at Barter Books in Alnwick.

Towards the end of the year the situation will be reviewed to see if it is possible to allow the talks scheduled for early 2021 to take place.

Its plans for a carriage shed at the Lionheart Station complex were approved in June.

The railway aims to recreate most of the Alnwick to Alnmouth branch-line.

To make a donation visit www.alnvalleyrailway.co.uk

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