Award winning Morecambe Bay tourist attraction saved from closure

As we exclusively reported last month, just months before the 80th anniversary year of Brief Encounter, the classic film celebrated at Carnforth station, the trust which runs its Heritage Centre decided to hand back the lease to Network Rail.

“I don’t want this situation but after taking legal and professional advice, it’s unviable to continue,” said Bob Roe, Carnforth Station and Railway Trust director.

Within the past year, a £2.50 admission charge was introduced but that has failed to help fill the coffers.

Before the Covid pandemic, the Heritage Centre used to attract up to four coachloads of visitors every day but now it was lucky to see one coach a week, Mr Roe said.

However, the Heritage Centre has now reported on its website that the management centre has been taken over by a new steering group with effect from early October.

Negotiations are ongoing with the landlord, volunteers and other interested parties, they say.

"We are delighted to announce that a new steering group has been formed to take over the management of the Heritage Centre which will not be closing on Saturday 12 October 2024 as previously announced," they said.

"Talks are at an early stage, but we look forward to ensuring that Carnforth Station remains the jewel in the crown of Carnforth’s tourist trade."

The Brief Encounter Bistro and Bar is an independent franchise and will continue to operate normal working hours.

Carnforth Town Council had reported last week that it would also discuss the issue at its full council meeting on Wednesday October 16.

"Carnforth Town Council will play an active part in trying to find a positive outcome to the situation, but we wish to make it clear that the town council does not have the financial resources nor the management capacity to take over the running of the centre," they said.

“What we can do, however, is to facilitate discussions between all interested parties, including Northern Rail, their agents Arch, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council with the aim of identifying all possible options to reopen the centre."