Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells asks people to buy annual memberships to help meet costs because of coronavirus

A popular railway says it is struggling to meet its costs since it was forced to shut down because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Spa Valley Railway, like all Kent visitor attractions, has had the brakes put on its income since the global pandemic forced the closure of tourist spots, with many struggling to make ends meet as a result.

Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells

Already in Kent since the lockdown began in March, The Canterbury Tales has confirmed it has closed permanently whilst Dreamland in Margate has been forced to make staff redundant following huge drops in revenue.

The Tunbridge Wells-based heritage railway attraction is now appealing to those who hold the railway dear to consider either buying gift vouchers or advanced gift experiences or by signing up as members in order to help it manage the devastating financial impact of the pandemic whilst it remains closed.

Those behind the running of the railway says it has ongoing fixed costs of around £5,000 per month.

The Spa Valley Railway takes families on a picturesque journey through West Kent's countryside
The Spa Valley Railway takes families on a picturesque journey through West Kent's countryside

In order to help cover the costs it is asking households to consider purchasing an annual membership to ensure the railway will be able to reopen after the pandemic.

Current membership prices are from £20 for an adult and £6 for a junior up to the age of 16. A senior is £13 and a senior couple £20 whilst a family can join for £30. There are also lifetime membership packages available which start from £200.

Jonnie Pay, commercial manager at the railway and himself a volunteer said “We want to thank everyone for their support so far and look forward to growing our membership sufficiently to allow us to continue to operate trains between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge.

"With your support we also hope to continue with the remainder of our annual events programme which will include the popular Santa Specials.”

Membership comes with some great benefits says those at the railway. These include member privilege rates which allow for unlimited travel, free copies of the railway's magazine four times a year and the chance to actively participate as a volunteer. Also available to purchase online are both gift vouchers and experiences, which Spa Valley Railway says can be unique gifts for people.

Anyone interested in learning more can visit the website for further information and a form which needs to be emailed to customer.service@spavalleyrailway.co.uk

For more family-related news and activities to enjoy at home visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk

Caroline Edmunds | caroline@penningtonpr.com | 01892 616647

Pennington Public Relations Ltd | www.penningtonpr.com |

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