A HERITAGE railway is warning it may not survive the coronavirus pandemic if further help is not provided.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) says it cannot claim compensation for lack of business or part of the £750 million pledged to the charity sector by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak.

The steam railway, which runs between Pickering and Whitby has delayed the opening of its 2020 season indefinitely, and risk collapse without appropriate funding.

“As far as the heritage rail industry is concerned, we are not eligible for any of the funding mentioned by the government,” said Chris Price, NYMR’s general manager and vice-chairperson of Heritage Railway Association.

“Many heritage tourist attractions are suffering cash flow problems, especially when they’ve been closed for the winter season, a time traditionally used for essential repair and maintenance work despite no revenue being generated.

“There are huge, very real fears that many charities like ours, could go under if vital assistance isn’t provided by the government.”

On April 8, Rishi Sunak acknowledged pleas for help from the charity sector and announced the government’s offer of £750m in funding. While these measures are welcomed, especially by frontline charities helping during the coronavirus pandemic, some people fear it’s not enough.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) predicted that the charity sector would lose £3.7 billion of income over the proceeding 12 weeks.

“Many heritage railways and tramways only have sufficient resources to survive a few weeks,” added Steve Oates, chief executive of the Heritage Railway Association.

“Heritage railways contribute significantly to the UK’s cultural and tourism sectors, and they bring enjoyment and learning to millions of visitors, plus wellbeing and skills development to thousands of volunteers.”

To donate, visit nymr.co.uk/appeal/nymr-crisis-fund