Mike Kelly says graffiti attack hit East Lancashire Railway coaches

East Lancashire Railway said a locomotive and several coaches were covered in spray paint over the bank holiday weekend. The damage hit stock from its InterCity 125 set, which volunteers described as irreplaceable.

Volunteers spent several hours cleaning to prevent what they said could have become significant and lasting damage. The railway’s chairman, Mike Kelly, said the attack was “This is a disgraceful and deeply frustrating attack on a railway run largely by volunteers”.

InterCity 125 stock

Volunteers described the vandalised stock as “an act of destruction” and said one of the coaches had only recently been repainted in February. Kelly said the damage was “It is nothing short of a kick in the teeth for those who work so hard to maintain and preserve historic traction and rolling stock.”

Heywood to Rawtenstall

The railway runs a 12.5 mile line, or 20 km, between Heywood in Greater Manchester and Rawtenstall in Lancashire through the Irwell Valley. It operates largely with volunteer help, so the attack affected stock that is kept in service through regular upkeep rather than easy replacement.

Greater Manchester Police

East Lancashire Railway said it was working closely with Greater Manchester Police after the incident, and police increased patrols in the area. For visitors and volunteers, the immediate priority is the cleanup and protection of the remaining stock, with the damaged coaches now dependent on further inspection and restoration work.