JUST as it is making a good recovery from the pandemic and its own financial crisis Llangollen Railway has been targeted by vandals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to its rolling stock.

On its Facebook page, the railway revealed that the vandals had struck at two trains parked in the sidings on Tuesday night, August 24.

Images show that the cars had been sprayed heavily with coloured paint.

CCTV footage suggests the attack took place in the early hours and lasted over an hour with flash lights being used by the intruders.

The attack seems to have taken place in the early hours of Wednesday morning when the security fencing was penetrated to gain access to the sidings.

Railway officials are now urging anyone with information about the attack to ring them in confidence.

The railway’s post read: “Devasted to report that last night Llangollen Railway was targeted by vandals.

“Two DMUs (diesel multiple units) were spray painted and will cost thousands of pounds to repair.

“If you really care and have any information that may help to identify the criminals, please telephone 01978 860979 for a confidential chat.”

Being subjected to this kind of attack is the last thing the railway needs as it tries its best to get back on track following the deep financial crisis of last spring which plunged it into receivership and months of closure due to COVID restrictions.

Despite its troubles, the heritage attraction has fought its way back and has once again started to run the train services.

John Joyce, head of railcars department, said: "We were shocked and saddened to discover this senseless vandalism when our crew turned up on Wednesday morning to operate the day's railcar service to Carrog.

"Fortunately, we were able to operate the day's services as scheduled with another railcar, but the damage will need considerable time and expense to put right.

“Both the time and money could have been put to far more productive uses than removing this mindless damage."

He added: "After all that the Llangollen Railway has overcome during the last 18 months, enabling it to reopen in stages since July, this is one more setback that was totally unnecessary.

"Many thousands of visitors have enjoyed their visits to the line since that reopening, helping to bring back much-needed tourism to the area and its local businesses."

A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: "At 10.25am yesterday (25/8), we were made aware of reports of criminal damage to two DMU (diesel multiple unit) trains at Llangollen Railway, which have been sprayed with graffiti.

"We are investigating the incident and ask anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, to contact officers on 101, or via the website, quoting reference 21000591841."