Train spotter decision reversed

The depth of public feeling forced a reversal

A decision not to allow train spotters access to Darlington station to view the new �3m steam engine Tornado has been reversed.

National Express said it would not allow the public onto the platform when the train carries its first passengers to London on Saturday.

Following complaints the company accepted it made "the wrong decision".

A spokesperson said they were concerned over expected bad weather, but will now put safety measures in place.

Enthusiasts in Darlington raised �3m to build the Peppercorn class A1 Pacific locomotive, in a campaign which has taken 18 years to complete.

The train began taking fare paying passengers on 31 January.

A National Express East Coast spokesman said: "We are fully supportive of the Tornado restoration project, and have noted the depth of local feeling in Darlington today.

"In light of that, we accept this was the wrong decision and we have acted quickly to fix it.

"We will welcome all visitors to the station on Saturday."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version