As witnessed by last week’s unprecedented storms in the south west, Seaton Tramway has been leading an urgent and focussed clean-up operation to the severely damaged areas of track and its water-logged Riverside Depot. The Tramway’s managing director, Jenny Nunn, highlighted not just the company’s plight on the BBC’s News at Ten programme last Monday, but also of other businesses in the area so dependent on tourism.
Managers at Seaton Tramway have also been overwhelmed by best wishes, messages of support and offers of assistance from the public in the clean-up. Member of Parliament, Neil Parish, visited the Tramway on the afternoon of the 19th February to see first-hand the devastation last week’s storm brought to this well-established and popular tourist attraction.
Mr Parish, shocked by the extent of the storm damage, went on to say: “We need to be fully supportive of the urgent repair work required at Seaton Tramway as this is an important tourist attraction which contributes hugely to the local economy. As government grant monies become available, I will be supporting local tourism businesses including Seaton Tramway in their bids.” He wished the Tramway well when it re-opens its mini service from Colyton at the weekend saying how crucial it was that people come out and support this.
The Tramway was to open its doors for daily service on Saturday 15th February but due to the storm damage had no alternative but to close over half-term week. Not accepting the complete closure, the company has arranged for two of its smaller double-decker trams to be transported by road on Friday 21st February from its base at Seaton to Colyton in order that a mini service can start to operate from there to Colyford, unaffected by the storm, whilst the major repairs are taking place to the track further to the south. The special Rainbow ticket of £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children will allow for a round trip to Colyford on the day of purchase and a free return visit before Easter in order for the tramway to kick-start its season.
On a wider issue, a global audience of potential visitors has seen pictures of the South West ravaged by storms and flooding over the past two months. In order for this important tourism area to recover quickly, Jenny Nunn asked whether Mr Parish could tackle ministers on providing funding to promote Devon and the South West with future advertising campaigns before the summer season and in the longer term with more financial support for Visit Devon etc. Mr Parish agreed and said he would raise this issue with ministers.