The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway near Skipton has received over £100,000 to make its services more accessible for disabled visitors.
The funding, totalling £111,800, comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by North Yorkshire Council. This support is part of a broader £16.9 million investment in programmes across the county.
The money is being used by the Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust to renovate two 1950s British Rail carriages, with a total project cost of more than £220,000. The carriages are being fitted with widened doors, ramp access, and accessible seating, along with other period-appropriate restorations.
Rob Shaw, finance director for the railway, said the upgrades are essential for allowing more disabled visitors to enjoy their services. “We have 15 carriages, but up to this point, we have only had one that could comfortably accommodate a wheelchair,” said Mr Shaw. “Without these coaches, we simply could not have accommodated this many disabled people.”
One of the first passengers to use the newly accessible carriage was Mick McKeown from Doncaster. His daughter, Sarah Walker, said the experience was transformative for their family day out. “My dad was over the moon with the entire Polar Express experience,” said Ms Walker. “If the accessible carriage had not been available, then he would not have been able to come with us.”
The upgrades were made possible by the railway’s own funds and support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Mr Shaw said grants like this are vital for capital projects. “The railway pays its own way in terms of how it operates, but it does not generate enough funds to allow for capital projects such as this,” he said.
The railway, which welcomes over 80,000 visitors annually, is working on additional projects, including rebuilding platforms at Bolton Abbey and installing a historic footbridge. Long-term plans include connecting the railway to the national network at Skipton.
Cllr Simon Myers of North Yorkshire Council praised the project. “This is a perfect example of how this fund can be used to improve facilities for people across North Yorkshire and beyond,” said Cllr Myers.
For more information on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, visit their website at www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk.
