Built in 1948 during the post War boom as a tourist railway, a role it still fulfils
today, the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway has had a topsy turvey history.
The original builders from Nottingham sold the line to Arthur Clethro from Scarborough in 1954, who ran the line until 1959 when it was disposed of to the local authority. During the early years of the council’s ownership the line flourished - so much that at one time it carried almost 125,000 passengers a
year.
However, lack of maintenance and investment meant that by 1971 the line was life expired. Taking a view that the line could repay its investment the council rebuilt and extended the line for the start of the 1972 season, in the most cost effective manner - using outside contractors - and for some unknown reason a gauge of 14 1/2 inches.
The line ran like this until, again due to lack of attention, repair costs and lack of use - by now only 35,000 passenger journeys a year - forced the council to close the line at the end of the 1990 season. This would have been the end if it had not been for the present day company stepping in to save the line, renovating and rebuilding it into what it is today.
This development continues with the help
of the Supporters Association in staffing, operation and
maintenance. The arrival of the Sutton Collection of miniature
railway equipment and ongoing creation of the new museum further enhances
the CCLR as one of the country's premier 15 inch gauge light railways.
We
have great plans for the future and you can help by joining the CCLR
Supporters Association.
