Miniature steam railway up for sale with ?495k asking price

A miniature steam railway that has been transporting families for years has been put up for sale. The 10.25 inch gauge Leek ^[1] and Rudyard Railway runs alongside the lake on the site of original rail tracks, for 1.5 miles.

It is a popular tourist attraction, drawing in passengers from far and wide, especially at Christmas time when the Santa specials are operating. Now owner Simon Clarke wants to sell off the track, three stations, an engine shed, cafe, two steam engines, two diesel engines and 10 passenger coaches.

Mr Clarke – who is hoping to retire after taking over the railway in 2015 – says there has been ‘immediate interest’ in the business which has an asking price of £495,000. It is being sold as a going concern.

The sale notice reads: “Leek and Rudyard Railway is for sale due to the upcoming retirement of the owner. The business is for sale in whole or in part and is being sold as a going concern. The railway is a popular tourist attraction in the Leek area of Staffordshire and runs for 1.5 miles alongside Rudyard Lake.

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“Whilst the railway is for sale we would like to stress that we will remain open and operational, though with some modifications to our running days and events. The sale is being conducted through Daltons Business and we would encourage any interested parties to make contact via the sale advert. Please note all viewings of the railway and the assets for sale must be arranged in advance, casual viewings are not permitted.

Rudyard Lake Steam Railway

“Please get in touch if you are interested and we would be happy to share relevant documents, accounts, lists of assets and arrange a viewing.”

The current railway at Rudyard dates from 1985, and was built by Peter Hanton from Congleton. It runs on the track bed of a full-sized railway that originally ran from Macclesfield to Uttoxeter.

The steam train runs from 11am to 4pm on every Saturday and Sunday from mid March to the start of November and Bank Holidays.

References

^{^} Leek (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Artist’s impressions revealed as Stoke City submit plans for £1.5m bet365 Stadium fan zone (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Birthday girl credits junk food diet as she turns 100 (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
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