Fears heritage railways could run out of steam
Earlier this year a blaze at Daw Mill colliery, in Warwickshire, cost UK Coal more than £300m in equipment, lost coal and closure costs – and put up to 2,000 jobs at risk. The incident has also caused a scramble for supplies.
Heritage railways across the region, many of which are preparing for a busy few months over the summer, are now left looking for alternative supplies, amid fears the shortage is likely to drive up prices.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAndrew Gill, chairman of the Middleton Railway, in Leeds, said: “It’s causing concern but it’s not a crisis as yet.”
Other heritage railways have reported problems with a lack of supplies and there are fears that unless the situation is resolved they may not be able to run services.
Earlier this month the Government said it was “looking at options” regarding UK Coal’s future.
An underground blaze at Daw Mill, Warwickshire, in February, is thought to have cost the Doncaster-headquartered company nearly £300m. Now, a team at the Department of Business, Innovations and Skills is reported to be leading bail-out discussions.
UK Coal earlier said discussions were ongoing with a range of interested parties, including the Government, to find a way forward.