FUNDING is being sought to help increase the number of school visits to a local heritage railway attraction.
Chasewater Railway and Museum has applied for £500 from the Better Burntwood Fund.
An application submitted to Burntwood Town Council said the money would ensure it could continue subsidising educational visits.
“We have seen a decline in the attendance of schools, principally due to the cost of transport to the railway.
“We support Key Stage 2 curriculum on aspects of history and travel. We see it is a key part of our educational function to support schools.
“We have made the decision to hold our group travel costs for educational establishments at our normal fares of £6 for a child and adults at £8.50 – but for a single school party this does not cover our operating costs at £690 per day for a steam journey.
“The majority of our costs are our coal and lubricating oil, which we spend in lighting up and preparing the locomotive for service. A grant would assist us in continuing in subsidising our school’s educational services, and making us a viable option even when coach travel to and from us included.”
The application will be debated by Burntwood Town Council’s Community and Partnerships Committee on Monday (9th March).
