The North Norfolk Railway has completed vital infrastructure improvements thanks to funding of £34,427 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The grant has assisted with the installation of new lighting throughout the engineering facilities at Weybourne Station, along with a new coal bunker and oil store. The heritage line is also grateful to have received £5,000 from Future Skills NOW towards training staff in a range of safety critical tasks including banksman and slinger, woodworking, chainsaw use and abrasive wheel machinery.

New LED, low-energy lighting in the workshops will improve the environment for staff and volunteers whilst reducing electricity consumption while the provision of a second bunker allows the line to store ovoids of smokeless solid fuel which are used blended with traditional coal to reduce the emissions and the risk of lineside fires.

North Norfolk Railway General Manager, Graham Hukins commented “We are delighted to have received this support which will allow us to improve not only our current infrastructure but also the skills and understanding of our team. These improvements will make a material difference to day-to-day working conditions and also have a practical impact upon our running costs. In common with many heritage railways our overheads have increased significantly in recent years and it now costs approximately £3.8 million for us to run each year, making funding for enhancements such as these invaluable.”

This North Norfolk Rural Business and Community project covering various infrastructure works is part-funded by the UK Government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund, was supported by North Norfolk District Council and delivered in Partnership with Norfolk County Council. It funds capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure. This will help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities. Further information on the Rural England Prosperity Fund can be found via https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rural-england-prosperity-fund-prospectus

Training support has been funded by the UK Government under the Shared Prosperity Fund, and has been delivered by Norfolk County Council in partnership with Norfolk District Council.

2025 marks the North Norfolk Railway’s Golden Anniversary, 50 years since the line first operated steam services out of Sheringham Station during the preservation era.  An exciting programme of daily services, special events and dining trains is planned and visitors are invited to join in the festivities and help the heritage line celebrate this momentous year. More information is available via the line’s website www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Image credit: Supplied by North Norfolk Railway, credit Steve Allen