News from East Lancashire Railway - launch of wheelchair accessible carriage

The East Lancashire Railway has officially launched the latest addition to its growing fleet of coaching stock in the form of a new wheelchair accessible carriage.

The converted 1950s brake coach has undergone an extensive six month restoration and can now comfortably accommodate up to four wheelchair users with additional seating and standing room available for accompanying guests.

The Bury based heritage railway is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the North West, welcoming over 160,000 visitors each year, and the new wheelchair accessible carriage is another string to the predominantly volunteer run organisation’s bow.

East Lancashire Railway chairman Mike Kelly said: “We are always looking at ways to enhance the customer experience and the introduction of wheelchair accessible carriages means that we can now offer visitors with mobility impairments comfortable surrounds for an ELR experience!

"I would like to take this opportunity to praise all our dedicated staff and volunteers whose hard-work and commitment to both the fundraising and renovation of the wheelchair accessible carriage have led to something the East Lancashire Railway and its visitors can be very proud of. ”

The wheelchair accessible carriage is the first of three to be rolled out across the railway within the next few years.

Please contact the East Lancashire Railway on 0161 764 7790 for more information on their wheelchair accessible carriage and to find out when it will be in service.

ENDS

Issued: 25 July 2016.

Picture: At the launch are (back, from left) East Lancashire Railway staff and volunteers - Ian Taylor, Colin Goodwin, Martin Ward, Dave Gresham, David Wright (Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society), Anthony Dunford, Keith Battersby, Frank Bromley, Tim Cowley, Don Reeve. At the front are visitors Alan Norton and Avril Norton.

Information to Editors

The East Lancashire Railway operates a 12-mile route between Heywood and Rawtenstall, using a range of preserved steam and diesel locomotives to haul vintage train services through the scenic Irwell Valley. The railway is the third most popular paid visitor attraction in Greater Manchester and welcomes over 160,000 visitors each year.