Leighton Buzzard Railway halts trains until further notice due to coronavirus outbreak

The Leighton Buzzard Railway has decided to stop all events, public trains and charter trains until further notice due to the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

The decision was made by the railway's executive committee following the recent government advice and is in line with most other heritage railways in the UK.

A sub-committee has been established, including the Railway’s Chairman, General Manager and Operations Manager, to continually review the situation based on government advice and legislation.

The committee said: ‘While this is clearly something which no one wanted to happen, the safety of our customers and volunteers is paramount, and we are unable to operate in a manner that would satisfy the government’s advice, for example on social distancing.

"We will continue the monitor the situation and are taking steps to ensure we can reopen as soon as it is safe to do so."

The news means the special Mother's Day trains and the Easter Egg Hunt have both been cancelled.

It is hoped that a suitable date for the Bedfordshire Gin and Whisky Festival, scheduled for 29 March, can be found later in the year, as well as the relaunch of popular locomotive Peter Pan which was scheduled for April 19.

Online train ticket sales have been halted for all trains in 2020, as well as advanced entry to July’s Ale Trail, and will be reactivated once a reopening date is agreed.

Any customers who have pre-booked train tickets for the coming months, as well as those who have purchased tickets for the Bedfordshire Gin and Whisky Festival, are in the process of being contacted with rebooking options.

The Railway would like to thank all its customers and volunteers for their understanding during this unprecedented situation.

For further information visit www.buzzrail.co.uk.

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