Metro Mayor Dan Norris says he is determined that Avon Valley Railway will have a "fantastic new year" and beat the metal thieves who have blighted 2023.

Mark Simmons, General Manager, explained to the Mayor how the Railway has had between £3,000 and £5,000 worth of metal stolen. Thieves target the metal pieces that attach the rails to wooden sleepers to sell for scrap.

Dan Norris said: "It's really terrible that thieves are targeting this great tourist attraction. The police need to crack down. As Mayor, I am determined to do all I can to support local businesses like this keeping alive our heritage. 2024 marks Avon Valley Railway's 50th anniversary, and I know the community will be full square behind them."

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Opened in 1869 by the Midland Railway as a through-route between Birmingham and the South Coast the line was later linked to the iconic Somerset & Dorset Railway. Closed under the Beeching Axe of the 1960's the Avon Valley Railway was preserved by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. Today, 50 years on, three miles of track has been re-laid, locomotives and carriages restored, and the sound of steam can once again be heard along the Avon Valley.

If you have any information about the robbery, please contact Avon & Somerset Police quoting crime number: 5223315413