News / Ashton Court Estate
‘Value of Ashton Court Miniature Railway is immeasurable’
Efforts to save the “magical” Ashton Court Miniature Railway from possible closure have captured the imagination of the public, with thousands rallying in support.
The Labour administration was accused of bullying the charity that runs the popular family attraction, during a debate at City Hall on Tuesday, September 11, where opposition councillors argued you can’t put a price on its value.
A campaign to save the railway was launched after the Bristol Society of Model and Experimental Engineers (BSMEE) was told by Bristol City Council that its lease might not be renewed because the enterprise does not make enough money.
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Speaking at the full council meeting, deputy mayor Asher Craig stressed that no decision has been made and resolutions are being sought – but she added that the charity needs to “wash its face” in these austerity-hit times that have seen the budget for green spaces stripped to the bare minimum.
Norman Rogers at the miniature station
BSMEE chairman Norman Rogers spoke of how the volunteer-run railway has forged a loyal following of multiple generations in its 45 years at Ashton Court.
“We support disabled and disadvantaged people through special days,” he said. “We provide a social and supportive environment for hobbyists who are retired and at risk of social isolation.
“We have been confronted with the prospect of having to walk away from assets worth an estimated £4,000.
“The council statement suggests that the railway does not pay its way, but how has that been calculated? We cannot and should not be ruthlessly commercial.”
In support, Gary Hopkins, a Lib Dem councillor for Knowle, said: “I find it unbelievable that with all the council has to deal with, it wants to take on and bully an organisation like this that’s costing the council nothing and is contributing to the well-being of this city.”
Graham Morris, a Conservative councillor for Stockwood, added that the social value of the attraction is “immeasurable”.
Green group leader Eleanor Combley was also critical of the way the council handled the situation and said the BSMEE created a “magical” experience that’s “keeping a love of hands-on practical engineering alive in Bristol”.
“Could that space make more money rented out to yet another bar or big global coffee chain?” she asked. “Well, probably, but right now we have something special, something that is not found on every street corner in the country.”
The miniature railway has been at its site in Ashton Court for 45 years
Explaining the council’s position, Craig said: “It’s no secret that the budget for parks and green spaces has reduced significantly. We made it clear that we were looking for income-generating proposals to cover the costs of running our parks.
“The railway was one of these because it brings in very little money and does not pay for itself.
“If we can come up with an alternative viable financial model, I have no problem with the railway being retained at Ashton Court – but it has to wash its face.”
She added that there are a number of options on the table that include the railway staying where it is with a new business model or relocating, with council offering help and some financial assistance as a “goodwill gesture”.
Read more: ‘Innovative solutions needed for Bristol’s parks’
Speaking earlier in the meeting, mayor Marvin Rees reiterated that no final decision has been made, but said that when the railway is open, the council’s takings form the golf course go down by some £230 a day.
“This comes in the context of how we maximise revenue so that we have money to spend on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and the city’s needs,” he added.
Rogers said that the suggested alternative sites are unsuitable. The lease ends in November 2018 and a short-term lease is being negotiated until a final decision is made.
Main photo taken from the BSMEE Facebook page.
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