THE newly restored Flying Scotsman will not be speeding through Grantham again for the foreseeable future.
Although there are plans for trains to be hauled by steam loco 60103, It has been mutually agreed between NR, West Coast Railways and the National Railway Museum at York, that, for now at least, it stays clear of the southern section of the ECML.
Instead, it will only operate from Newark northwards.
A spokesman said: “People will obviously be disappointed by this, but the horrific nature of the trespass witnessed on February 25 was unacceptable regardless of the public investment in the engine.
“I saw the worst incident first hand at St Neots and, frankly, the sight of a grown adult clutching a young child in his arms, standing on the track of an inter-city main line was stomach churning.”
The number of unmanned foot crossings south of Peterborough means that the risk of more trespass is too high and therefore on one of its forthcoming trips, the train will be diesel hauled from King’s Cross to Newark.
The decision has been taken for this section of railway only.
Flying Scotsman visit to Grantham Railway Station in 1968
This report is misleading and inaccurate. The Flying Scotsman has NOT benn banned from Grantham. Discussions have been held and, in the interests of the public who trespass on the railway, it has been decided not to operate it South of Newark