Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in Wirksworth were given a crucial lifeline earlier this month thanks to a major Government scheme. Sarah Dines MP visited the railway on Friday 16 October to see for her self what this funding will achieve.
Sarah Dines MP said, ‘Over the summer I have been pushing the Department of Culture to make sure our much loved Derbyshire Dales heritage sites receive support from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. I was so pleased when it was announced that WyvernRail plc which runs the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway from Wirksworth had been awarded £85,000.
I was delighted to be shown around this fantastic attraction on Friday. I was able to see the workshop where restoration works are undertaken, the various diesel and steam engines and projects, the carriages to be used for socially distanced runs for passengers including the hugely popular Santa run, the museum and gift shop, and last but not least, the new toilet block. This is a very worthwhile attraction and is a real asset to our community. I heard all about the Prince of Wales visit a few years ago and the great support they have received over the years from the now Lord McLoughlin. I am certainly looking forward to visiting again in the future. ’
