Middleton Railway has suspended its passenger service from Moor Road to Middleton Park for the rest of 2020. Current restrictions have made it difficult to plan future train services and so they have decided to close until April 2021.
The railway had already cancelled its popular Santa Specials for this year, but had hoped to keep its Sunday services running until the end of November.
During the time that the Railway is closed to the public, an extension to the museum will be constructed which will tell the story of Matthew Murray and John Blenkinsop and their contribution both to railways and to the city of Leeds itself. It is hoped this new extension will open by the end of 2021.
Other improvements to the facilities for visitors include a new bicycle shelter and an upgrade to our Conference Room which will make the latest facilities available to users.
In addition to these projects, the Trust is working towards returning two new steam locomotives to traffic in 2021 and starting work on a brand new coach.
Ian Smith, the railway’s Vice President said:
“We thank all our visitors this year for their custom, we hope that everyone stays safe and we look forward to seeing you all again soon. We also wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
The Middleton Railway was built in 1758 and is the First railway authorised by an Act of Parliament, the first to have commercially successful steam locomotives, in June 1812 and also the first standard gauge preserved railway, opening in June, 1960. It has operated trains every year since opening in 1758.
This post is based on a press release issued by Middleton Railway
