Middleton Towers Restoration Group project is ‘in jeopardy’ due to lack of funding

An ambitious project to reinstate a historic village railway platform is in “jeopardy” due to a lack of funding.

Just a few weeks ago, the Middleton Towers Restoration Group was full of hope after new crossing gates were installed at the former station.

But now, group founder Alex Brammer has put physical work to restore it on hold - and has not ruled out shutting down the project altogether.

Members are looking to preserve and restore the dilapidated Middleton Towers ticket office and waiting room, transforming the buildings into a pop-up tea room with some memorabilia on display.

A statement this week from Mr Brammer said this is all “in jeopardy” as the group has just £550 in the bank, despite needing to raise £70,000 through grants and public donations.

“I would like to inform our supporters that I have made the decision to put the physical work on the project on hold until the new year, as we are simply not raising any money to be able to keep the project afloat,” he said.

“I would like to raise early concerns over our fundraising efforts. We will require at least £70,000 to carry out restorative works and this is before the waiting room canopy quote, which is due this Friday.

“If we are successful in our application for a grant from Railway Heritage Trust, this will cover 40% of this or under, but this is not a guarantee.

“Therefore, I cannot rule out the project completely shutting down if we cannot raise the money needed to carry it out.

“I will work my hardest to make sure that we save the station, but I am urgently appealing for help in our fundraising efforts.”

Mr Brammer has urged anyone who is able to assist with fundraising to get in touch with the group - and says they could become a director of its community interest company in the process.

“It is now impossible for me to do all of the ground work on the project,” he added.

“I hope you understand the situation I am in.”

He told the Lynn News that around £45,000 in donations or grants will need to be raised.

Just weeks ago, Mr Brammer was delighted that Middleton Towers had been given “a new lease of life” thanks to a new set of crossing gates.

The gates needed to be replaced after one of them was destroyed in an accident earlier this year.

At the time, he said: “We have brought hope and willpower in droves.

“We’re now in a position to say that we, as the custodians of our great British railway history, are bringing back a piece of history that we must never let go into disrepair again.”