Donations reach £1,000 after Telford Steam Railway vandal attack
A fundraising page set up by Telford Steam Railway after more than £5,000 worth of damage was caused by intruders hurling bricks at train windows has now raised more than £1,000.
Vandals struck at the steam railway last week, smashing 18 train windows.
Bricks and tools stored at the heritage railway line were hurled at the windows of three coaches and two locomotives by intruders at the attraction in Bridge Road, Horsehay.
It is thought that it will take 300 to 400 hours of work to repair the damage.
The trust behind the preservation railway set up an online crowd funding page that collected £200 in donations less than 24 hours after its launch. It has now raised more than a fifth of the money needed to repair the damage, with the total standing at over £1,060.
In return for donations, Telford Steam Railway is offering rewards.
For a £20 pledge, people will get a guided walk along the railway line when it is closed.
A round-trip ride on a diesel or steam locomotive is offered for a £40 donation. Those who pledge £100 can drive a steam tram and enjoy lunch for four in the cafe.
For a £500 pledge, people will also get a half-day steam driving experience, lunch for four people in the cafe and a lifetime membership.
So far, more than 25 people have made donations, ranging from £10 to £250.
Police were called to reports of damage at the site at about 9pm on April 12. Among the damaged locomotives was a 1952 engine where bricks and a large track screw were used to smash the windows which will cost in the region of £300 each to replace.
Engine oil stored on board was also poured over the steps and fire extinguishers were set off. It is believed a group of youths was responsible for causing the vandalism to the trains, some of which are privately owned by volunteers.
To donate to the fund visit crowdfunder.co.uk/telford-steam-railway-vandalism-repairs
Pledges must be received by June 11. People can also donate through PayPal by visiting telfordsteamrailway.co.uk
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
