'We've been blown away by the support': Pugneys Light Railway gives thanks for support after vandalism
Wakefield’s light miniature railway has been ‘blown away’ by the outpouring of love shown by the customers far and wide after vandals and thieves targeted the attraction.
Bob Brocklehurst, of Pugneys Light Railway, said over the past couple of months, there has been three acts of criminal damage, with break-ins, vandalism and thefts of vital equipment that keeps both visitors and its volunteers safe, leaving them heartbroken.
The most recent incident saw heartbroken volunteers arriving on Saturday morning to find the solar panel torn from the roof of the station hut and wiring cut, leaving them unable to charge batteries that power the trains, keeping the railway running.
Since then, Bob said there has been an ‘outpouring’ of love and support from people all over the country.
"We’ve all been blown away,” he said.
"We know people like to visit and we have a natter, but we don’t really get any reviews, so to see and hear that the railway is really loved, it’s amazing.
"We took all the volunteers out over Christmas and everyone was a bit down in the dumps after the break-ins and damage, but everyone has been given such a boost by all the offers of help and support.
"My phone hasn’t stopped with calls and messages from people, from all over the country, offering everything from CCTV to solar panels – it’s mindblowing!"
Bob said
The railway, which runs around the lake in Pugneys Country Park, was derelict when Bob took over nine years ago and has since spent time replacing sleepers and bringing in more engines.
"There are still people who don’t know we exist! But we won’t let what’s happened stop us. It’s knocked us for six, but we’ll carry on – so carry on your phenomenal support by coming to visit us.
“The kindness, the messages, the offers of help — it’s all been so moving that we’ve genuinely sat here with tears in our eyes.
"You’ve reminded us that when something happens in a community, the community doesn’t just watch… it gathers, it lifts, it rallies.
“On behalf of me and the whole team, thank you. Thank you for your offers of help and support. It really has brought a lump to the throat."