SUSPENSION OF ALL SDR SERVICES

The situation in the UK with Coronavirus is ever changing and the Prime Minister recently announced that the advice was now for people to avoid all unnecessary travel and social contact, and for those with Coronavirus symptoms, and those within their household even if asymptomatic, to self-isolate for 14 days.

The South Devon Railway has been closely monitoring the situation over the last month so as to be ready to respond as things change. Our first priority has always been the welfare of our staff and customers, followed by ensuring that whatever the outcome of this situation is, we all have the heritage railway we know and love here for us to enjoy for many years in the future.

Whilst we had a good initial weekend with the visit of 4555, passenger numbers were still lower than would be usual, and on the following Monday we had a very low number of visitors, with even fewer on the Tuesday following the Prime Minister’s announcement. Aside from the fact that this level of patronage is not sustainable as it does not even cover the cost of the coal for the day, we also need to consider our responsibilities both to our staff and our customers, and reducing costs so as to ensure the railway can “tick over” until the situation improves. Therefore, with immediate effect, all services on the South Devon Railway are suspended, initially until 16th May 2020.

17th March 2020