VISITORS to the Swindon and Cricklade Railway are being urged to wear appropriate footwear this weekend after roadworks have caused a problem in the car park.

Building work and road improvements have been taking place at the entrance to the museum since the beginning of the year and has affected the surface of the car park.

Spokesman Adrian Brodie is warning visitors to take extra care ahead of the Santa Special steam trains this weekend.

He said: “The state of the railway car park is poor.

“This is due to large amounts of rain, and large lorries from the roadworks outside the railway, turning in the car park, despite being instructed not to.

“Unfortunately, this has badly affected its condition.

“We did, on Wednesday, spread four large loads of road planings to try to remedy the situation.

“Although it is solid underneath, surface water is not draining away.

Please wear appropriate footwear that will not be affected by water and mud.

“We do apologise for this. It is something that has been beyond our control.

“Being the final weekend, before Christmas, we believe a lot of people will be coming to the railway.

“We know there will be long queues to get into the magical grotto, so please bear with us. We will do everything we can to move people along.

“We have a number of ideas to make the queuing more bearable.

“Ensuring that every family gets the full Santa experience is something that cannot be rushed. Our Santa is second to none and the wait will be worth it.”

For more information call 01793 771615, email scr@gmx.co.uk or visit www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org.