Vandalised brick train sculpture to be spruced up
LDRSA train sculpture which has become the target of vandals is to be renovated.
The Brick Train was unveiled in 1997 as a tribute to Darlington's proud railway heritage, but vandalism and fly-tipping has seen its condition deteriorate.
The town's Labour MP Lola McEvoy is working with Darlington Borough Council to improve the site, near Morton Park, after recent public concerns.
"To see it in such poor condition was heartbreaking – but I'm thrilled to see great progress now being made to restore it in time for such a significant moment in our town's history," the MP said.
Renovation work to improve the Brick Train will take place over the summer in time for the 200th bicentenary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in September.
Improvements include replacing missing bricks, reinstating fencing and signage, landscaping the surrounding area, and creating a long-term maintenance plan.
It is hoped the latest round of works will help deter people from using the site as a dumping ground in the future, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Stories of pride
Ms McEvoy said: "I was here at the opening when I was 10 years old, and it was a big deal then.
"But if you're trying to find it as a tourist, you would struggle. We need to see more signage.
"It puts the area on the map and the town's railway heritage really matters.
"This generation need stories of aspiration, hope, and pride of what we've done well in the past."
Site managers Equation Properties and landowners BGO Logistics will also work with the council and MP to deliver the improvements.
Councillor Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: "The Brick Train is a Darlington icon, and I'm proud of the collaborative effort that's gone into revitalising this site.
"With 2025 marking 200 years since the world's first passenger railway journey began here, it's only right that this sculpture stands proud once again – a testament to our past and a beacon for our future."