Mid-Norfolk Railway launching emergency appeal to survive

The Mid-Norfolk Railway, which runs between Dereham and Wymondham, was due to reopen for the season on Saturday, March 4.

However, a recent inspection revealed that the track in the vicinity of Crownthorpe Bridge, near Wymondham, has deteriorated so much that it is unusable.

There are major track issues at Crownthorpe Bridge (Image: Supplied)

The inspection is still to be carried out between Thuxton and Dereham, so if there are issues there too then this will need to be addressed first so at least a limited service can run. 

The clock is also ticking as they need this section to be sorted before putting tickets on sale for the lucrative Polar Express Train Ride. 

An emergency appeal will be launched soon, with the work at Crownthorpe Bridge needing at least £50,000. 

The Polar Express Train Ride generates thousands in revenue (Image: Archant)

In January a management restructure was announced, with Charlie Robinson to step down this year as chairman of the MNR Preservation Trust. 

Mr Robinson said: "The MNR has not been immune to the financial pressures that the sector has been under and our costs have risen dramatically.

“The railway is a significant contributor to the regional economy, so we are asking for the support of the business community and people of the region to ensure the long-term future of the railway.”

Mid-Norfolk Railway chairman, Charlie Robinson is stepping down but will still remain involved in the running of the railway. (Image: Archant)

They are currently working to develop new revenue streams and as such need more volunteers.

Graham Watts, who runs the railway's commercial portfolio, said: "We need not just people interested in railway activities, but also people with the skill sets any business needs including administration, IT, marketing, human resources management and many more.”

The Model Railway Exhibition will still go ahead on March 4 at Dereham Memorial Hall.