Appeal to repair vandalised heritage railway

A fundraising appeal to repair a heritage railway carriage in East Sussex after it was vandalised has been launched.

The Lavender Line said more than £5,000 worth of damage was caused on 3 May when windows were smashed on the carriage which was being restored at Isfield railway station.

The damage has been reported to Sussex Police, the railway said.

Amanda Matthews, from the Lavender Line Preservation Society, said the incident was "sad and very upsetting".

The Lavender Line was originally part of the Lewes to Uckfield Railway which opened in 1858, while the carriage dates from 1962.

The line currently operates as a tourist attraction offering a two-mile (3.2km) round trip from Isfield, on either diesel or steam locomotives.

Ms Matthews added: "We are a small heritage railway entirely funded by donations and all our crew give their time free of charge.

"Other maintenance projects we were looking to do this year have had to be put on hold as we now have to prioritise repairing the stock."

So far, more than £750 has been raised towards the railway's £2,000 goal in less than a week.

Ms Matthews said: "It is really heartwarming that people have given so generously.

"It gives me such a positive feeling to know that the public is out there supporting this piece of local history."

Funds raised will go towards specialist restoration work, including authentic glass replacement, and upgrading security to prevent future incidents, the railway said.

Sussex Police said it was appealing for information following a report of criminal damage to trains by a group of boys at Isfield railway station, which happened at about 16:00 BST on 3 May.

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