The Statfold Barn Railway has announced that they have made the switch to diesel power due to fire risk.

The railway runs through both farmland and countryside and to keep the crops safe, the decision has been to switch to diesel and battery power until further notice.

This weekend, Saturday services will be in the hands of the battery electric locomotive, and on Sunday, Plymouth diesel, Tiny, will be hauling trains.

The Statfold Barn Railway said “We understand this is disappointing for our visitors, as many do enjoy seeing, hearing, and smelling our steam locomotives. However, it creates an opportunity for those visitors who want to see our diesel and battery electric locomotives take their turn running our passenger services. We will provide an update in regard to return of steam locomotives as soon as we are able.