Fears heritage railways could run out of steam

Fears have been raised that a coal shortage could hit heritage railways across Yorkshire as they prepare for a busy summer season.
A steam engines goes through the tunnel on the Middleton line in LeedsA steam engines goes through the tunnel on the Middleton line in Leeds
A steam engines goes through the tunnel on the Middleton line in Leeds

Earlier this year a blaze at
Daw Mill colliery, in Warwickshire, cost UK Coal more than £300m in equipment, lost coal and closure costs – and put up to 2,000 jobs at risk. The incident has also caused a scramble for supplies.

Heritage railways across the region, many of which are preparing for a busy few months over the summer, are now left looking for alternative supplies, amid fears the shortage is likely to drive up prices.

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Andrew Gill, chairman of the Middleton Railway, in Leeds, said: “It’s causing concern but it’s not a crisis as yet.”

Other heritage railways have reported problems with a lack of supplies and there are fears that unless the situation is resolved they may not be able to run services.

Earlier this month the Government said it was “looking at
options” regarding UK Coal’s future.

An underground blaze at Daw Mill, Warwickshire, in February, is thought to have cost the Doncaster-headquartered company nearly £300m. Now, a team at the Department of Business, Innovations and Skills is reported to be leading bail-out discussions.

UK Coal earlier said discussions were ongoing with a range of interested parties, including the Government, to find a way forward.