Keighley and Worth Valley Railway announces it will close to passengers

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway made the decision the day after the North Yorkshire Moors Railway announced the indefinite postponement of its season opening.

The KWVR has already endured a terrible start to 2020 after its engine shed in Haworth was flooded during Storm Ciara, resulting in damage to several diesel locomotives.

They had initially hoped to keep operating during the coronavirus pandemic but have now decided to close, although essential workings will continue under the supervision of staff.

Several events including Sparkle & Steam and Haworth Haddock have been cancelled.

A statement from KWVR read:- "We’ve tried really hard to keep things as normal as possible this week and had hoped to continue running our advertised passenger trains.

"We’re closely monitoring the situation and as the health and wellbeing of our passengers, volunteers and staff is our top priority, we’ve now made the decision to close the railway to all but essential work.

"This means that there will be no passenger trains, or shops or café facilities open until further notice. This closure includes the Old Parcels Office Cafe Bar and Restaurant at Keighley Station.

"If you've pre-booked for any of our events you should have received an email from us with your options on. If you haven’t received this please email: [email protected], but please bear with us for a reply as it’s a very busy time for the admin team.

"We'll continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated with any further changes.

"As a registered charity you can imagine that these cancellations have hit us hard, and we really appreciate all your support at this difficult time."

The Haworth 1940s Weekend, which works with the railway and encourages ticket-holders to travel to Haworth by train, has also been cancelled.

Keighley Station and the railway appear in new Netflix period drama The English Game, which was also shot in Saltaire and Bradford last summer. The series is available to stream from today (Friday March 20).