The decision has finally been made to send a historic train, which was destroyed in a fire by arsonists in 2016, to the scrap heap.

Swindon and Cricklade Railway volunteers were heartbroken when a huge blaze in May 2016 damaged a treasured diesel unit and completely destroyed its carriage.

Workers attempted to make repairs but eight years on, the Blunsdon heritage railway group has finally made the devastating decision to send the units to the scrap heap.

“Yesterday, we started saying goodbye to the Class 205 Thumper units," a spokesperson said.

“Due to our extensive list of vehicles on site and our busy restoration schedule, it was decided to send the units for scrap.

“However the Class 207 Driving Car has been sold and will stay on the railway for now but will be leaving the railway in the coming months to its new owner.”

Swindon Advertiser: Locals have described it as a 'sad loss for the town'.Locals have described it as a 'sad loss for the town'. (Image: Lewis Moran)

The diesel “Thumper” unit and its original carriage, which was part of the British Rail Class 205 built between 1957 and 1962, spent its working life in Hampshire while the new carriage worked local lines in Berkshire.

The vintage damaged unit was valued at more than £100,000 before the fire and was cosmetically restored back to good health, but volunteers have been unable to complete the restoration.

Chairman Michael Abbott explained: "Initially, the plan was to utilise the trailer standard vehicle for spare parts, while efforts were invested in pairing the driving trailer with the railway's class 207 DEMU.

"However, despite considerable work, the project encountered stagnation and was side-lined a few years ago, with no additional interested parties coming forward to advance it.

“Unfortunately we did not have the time or the resources to finish the project. It made sense to move class 207 to a railway that could."

Swindon Advertiser: The decision has been described as a 'huge shame' but 'understandable'The decision has been described as a 'huge shame' but 'understandable' (Image: Lewis Moran)

"Difficult choices sometimes must be made to prioritise advancing key projects while also maintaining the overall efficiency of the railway," added Michael.

"Though it may be disheartening, such decisions are necessary to ensure the continued progress and success of the railway as a whole."

The May 2016 fire was not the only time that Swindon & Cricklade Railway has been hit by arson attacks.

Just one year after the 2016 fire, a 58-year-old coach was damaged in another arson attack.

In June 2021, criminals also torched a wagon and smashed the windows and doors of a nearby carriage, causing thousands of pounds in damage.

Extra security measures were introduced in June 2023 after a spate of vandalism, trespassing, and criminal damage.