Under threat 40ft model railway to remain open

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation previously said the railway was due to close from December 19

A model railway will remain open for the "foreseeable future" after plans to close it were reconsidered.

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, which owns the 40ft (12.2m) David Clarke Model Railway at Ulverscroft Grange, near Markfield, said it needed to close the attraction to increase revenue due to rising employment and energy costs.

However, trustees at the foundation confirmed this week the decision had been reversed after "alternative plans" were submitted to "enhance the entire area".

Alan Godber, a volunteer at the railway, said the announcement was the "best possible news".

The foundation said a plan in its "early stages" was to remove two 20ft (6.1m) storage containers near the railway site and build a new donation drop-off and collection point for charity shops at Ulverscroft Grange.

Barry Martin, chairman of the board of trustees, said: "It was always the foundation's intention to preserve the railway, if at all possible, and the fact that we plan to be able to keep it as part of the foundation will be welcomed by all, especially given its unique place in the model railway world."

The charity had announced that it would close the railway to the public in December, but changed its mind following "constructive discussions" with volunteers.

It said the plans at Ulverscroft Grange would "provide better access and create a more efficient and welcoming space for everyone".

The railway - a replica of the signalling practices of the Great Western Railway from the 1930s - has been in operation since 2000.

Controllers operate from a signal box as if they were driving an actual locomotive around the layout.

The railway is also unique in how it is controlled. It was first operated by radio when it was built in the 1970s but is now also Wi-Fi controlled.

Mr Martin added: "We are grateful for the dedication and passion shown by everyone involved, which has been instrumental in reaching this positive outcome."

Mr Godber said support from the public and model railway community was "heartwarming".