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Carnforth Railway Station's iconic Brief Encounter heritage centre is saved

The Carnforth Heritage Centre celebrates the iconic film Brief Encounter, which was filmed at the station in the 1940s

It's not the end of the line for Carnforth Railway Station's heritage centre after all.

A new team will take over the running of the centre, which celebrates the station's history including as the setting for the famous 1945 romantic film 'Brief Encounter'.

The centre was threatened with closure as Carnforth Station Trust, which currently runs it, was due to cease trading later this month.

But Alysian Smith, from the new Heritage Centre Steering Group and who also works in the station's Brief Encounter Bistro and Bar, told Beyond Radio today: "It is remaining open for now with a group behind it to help keep it going.

"We would have been sad to see it go. It's such a big thing for Carnforth with a lot of history."

Local people rallied around a bid to save the heritage centre after the trust announced that it was no longer viable to run it.

Bob Roe, director of the trust, planned to hand the lease back to Network Rail, saying last month that "like a lot of businesses, costs of gas and electric are very expensive, and footfall and tourism is very low".

"It's not a decision I took lightly but there's no other decision because within a month, we'd have been insolvent," said Mr Roe last month.

But speaking to Beyond Radio today, Mr Roe said: "It won't close on October 12, it will keep going.

"I am standing down, resigning from the board. This is my decision, due to ill-health.

"I've run it for a good few years but it's time to go.

"The trust now won't cease trading. There is a rescue package and there will be new directors put in.

"I didn't want to shut it and I'm pleased it's carrying on."

‘Brief Encounter’ is one of the all-time classic love story films, and starred Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard and was directed by David Lean.

The 21-year-old heritage centre includes a wealth of memorabilia from the film and a mini cinema showing 'Brief Encounter', as well as memories of Carnforth's railway past.

A spokesperson for Carnforth Town Council said: "We are delighted that Carnforth Station Heritage Centre has been saved from closure.

"The station is a wonderful example of a bygone age with a wealth of railway memorabilia and a classic film.

"The council looks forward to working with a new Station Trust to ensure its long-term future."

Read more: Light at end of tunnel for Carnforth Railway Station's Brief Encounter heritage - Beyond Radio

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