The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) in Bury, Greater Manchester, has announced the cancellation of all services on Wednesday and Thursday, June 24 and 25, including afternoon tea and mid-week luncheon dining experiences, as an amber heat warning takes effect across the region.
Safety concerns drive cancellation
In a statement to customers, the attraction said: "The welfare of both staff and customers is paramount to the ELR, and we believe that the risk in the extreme heat that has been forecast is too severe to allow for the running of our ordinary services." The current plan is to resume services with the evening dining train on Friday, June 26, subject to review, with further updates to be issued later in the week. Visitors who have pre-booked will be contacted via email with their options explained.
Public reaction supports decision
Dozens of Facebook users responded to ELR's post, with the majority expressing understanding. One commented: "I couldn't imagine being on the footplate of a steam loco in over 35°C heat, plus having the intense heat of coal fire on top of that too. It would be very risky and dangerous, it was absolutely the right call to cancel them." Another said: "Can't say I blame you chaps, 30°C in my car this afternoon.. would be hell inside a diesel cab!" A third added: "Probably a wise decision guys. Great to hear that you have the interest of your visitors, staff and volunteers at heart."
Wider heatwave impacts
The cancellation comes as temperatures are forecast to reach a staggering 40°C this week, prompting some schools across the UK to close. The Met Office has issued red weather warnings for extreme heat in parts of England due to an "exceptional spell" of hot and humid weather. A "heat-dome" over western Europe is expected to bring record-breaking June temperatures. The amber warning, covering large parts of southern England and the Midlands, is in effect from 9am on Wednesday, June 24, until 9pm on Thursday, June 25.
