Suspected arson wrecks historic Swindon railway wagon

The Swindon and Cricklade Railway has been targeted by vandals and fire-starters for years and this latest attack has left them heartbroken.

Families enjoyed rides along the historic tracks on Sunday during one of the few weekends the site has been able to open during this pandemic.

But during the night, criminals trespassed, torched a wagon and smashed the windows and doors of a nearby carriage, causing thousands of pounds in damage.

 

Swindon and Cricklade Railway volunteer Allan Bott said: "It's heartbreaking, soul-destroying and frustrating for us, another kick in the teeth, it's never-ending.

"We try our best to stop it -we'd installed CCTV, we repaired gaps in the fences near Taw Valley Halt, but secure solutions cost thousands of pounds and Covid has limited our income.

"That carriage had brand new glass in it, and the wagon needed specialist paint and materials. This is another expense to add to our ever-increasing workload after a hard 18 months.

"Whoever was responsible knew what they were doing. The one silver lining is that the fire didn't spread to nearby carriages, it could have been much worse."

Vandals broke into a carriage at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway

Three crews of firefighters from Swindon, Stratton and Cricklade's fire stations raced to Tadpole Lane in Blunsdon at 5.50am on Monday, using one hose to put out the blaze and keep it under control.

One farmer who lives nearby said: "We head the sirens and saw smoke. The fire engines had to park near the traffic lines and had a bit of trouble getting through to that part of the railway line, it was a bit of a walk."

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said there were some challenges getting the hose and water to the scene but the fire was put out by 7.44am.

Vandals broke into a carriage at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway

Jewson sponsored the renovation of the wagon. A member of staff told the Adver: "What happened is disgusting.

"Those gents put so much time and effort into their work only to have someone mindlessly ruin it. We will see what we can do to help them."

In May 2016, fire destroyed a vintage diesel unit at the Hayes Knoll end of the line, causing more than £100,000 of damage. And just a year later, a 58-year-old coach was damaged in another arson attack.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the latest suspected arson.

PC Ashlee Scown from the area's community policing team said: “When the flames were spotted at around 5.50am, the fire had already been burning for some time so we believe it broke out some time overnight.

“We know that this incident will cause some upset and frustration amongst the community, and we would urge anyone with information to come forward.

“If you saw anything suspicious between 6pm on Sunday evening and 5.50am on Monday morning then please let us know on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."

A suspected arsonist burned a newly-restored wagon at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway

During the pandemic, vandals sprayed graffiti and smashed signs on Taw Valley Halt station and broke carriage windows

In August 2019, windows on the Moonraker dining carriage were smashed while it was undergoing renovation and the year before, youths attempted to derail a train as it headed towards the halt.

The Swindon and Cricklade Railway is fundraising to repair the damage - donate by visiting their Facebook page.

What the renovated wagon looked like before the fire