Light at end of tunnel for Carnforth Railway Station's Brief Encounter heritage

There is a light at the end of the tunnel for the future of Carnforth Railway Station and its famous 'Brief Encounter' clock after news that the station's heritage centre is under threat.

Support is mounting in the town for a bid to save the heritage centre - which pays homage to the station's history as location for the 1945 'Brief Encounter' film.

The station clock, which was featured in the classic movie and has been in storage after being removed four years ago due to safety concerns, could also be restored.

Earlier this week it was announced that the Carnforth Station Trust, which runs the heritage centre, will cease trading in October.

Bob Roe, director of the trust, told Beyond Radio that the centre was no longer viable.

"I've given notice and we will cease trading on October 13," said Mr Roe.

"We will be handing the lease back to Network Rail.

"Like a lot of businesses, costs of gas and electric are very expensive, and footfall and tourism is very low.

"We put an admission charge on this summer to try to make some money back, but it's just one of those unfortunate things. We can't carry on.

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

Mr Roe said nobody had been in touch with him yet who might be interested in taking on the heritage centre.

But Peter Yates, Carnforth businessman and custodian of the Brief Encounter clock, told Beyond Radio that there was enough support locally to keep the centre going.

"I'm heartbroken about it," said Mr Yates.

"But it won't shut. There is enough love for the place and enough people who support it.

"It is the biggest asset Carnforth has and without it, it will be a massive loss to the town.

"It needs a new team in charge. There are a lot of people who want to see the station brought back to life."

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

"As you stand on Platform 1 with its vintage suitcases and railway posters, you can almost imagine the era when steam trains frequently passed through," says the Heritage Centre website.

"In 1945, David Lean stood with cameras running and film lights illuminating the winter nights, as he directed scenes for what is still considered to be one of the best British films of all time.

"Step into the Heritage Centre and soak up the atmosphere of bygone times, a Victorian railway station in which is displayed a wealth of railway memorabilia.

"Watch ‘Brief Encounter” in our vintage mini cinema complete with tip up seats. Learn about the fascinating life of David Lean and the iconic films that he directed.

"If you feel like a bit of retail therapy, we have a shop that will delight the eye and the purse.

"The station was lovingly restored in 2003 after lying derelict for many years. It is now ‘staffed’ by volunteers who care passionately about the Heritage Centre and will welcome you warmly."

Mr Roe said that the Snug micropub and the Brief Encounter Bistro and Bar at the railway station would continue.

A post on the Bistro and Bar Facebook page on Wednesday said:

"As you may or may not have heard, unfortunately the Carnforth Station Heritage Centre will be closing on October 12th 2024. This is obviously a very sad time, but we wanted to let you know that this closure will NOT be affecting our business.

"We have had three wonderful years here so far and hope for many more! We are thankful for all of our customers and hope you continue to support us!

"Just a reminder that our opening hours are 9am-4pm, 7 days a week."

Pictured below, comedian and presenter Susan Calman filmed for her 'Grand Day Out' TV show at the Bistro and Bar in 2023.

A post on The Snug Facebook page on Wednesday said:

"Yesterday morning we got a letter hand posted at the Brewery. It states our lease (for the Snug) is being handed back to the Arch Company and we should make contact with them. It also states that the Trust has reached a point were it cannot continue due to the financial situation.

"I made contact with the Arch Company and they have stated this should have no effect on us trading. They are looking into the issues that will arise and hope to get back to us soon.

"The trust and heritage centre will cease trading on the 12 of October.

"Don't Panic, Don't Panic: It's not over yet.

"While this is distressing that we have got to this point it creates opportunity.

"One of the biggest issues may even get solved with a possible return of the Clock!

"We have spoken with a number of people that are willing to form a group. The businesses in the station are are happy to provide for any fund raising events that may now take place. With direct contact with the Arch Co we hope to arrange some weed removal from the platforms.

"Carnforth Station should be the jewel of the town and represent all that it could be. We would love to see it win a best kept station award in the future."

The Brief Encounter Clock (below) is owned by the Smith family, and Mr Yates said he removed it for safety reasons as repairs were needed.

It has not returned due to a dispute with the trust, but Mr Yates said: "The minute the trust goes, it will go back."

Both Mr Roe and Mr Yates also said the station has fallen into disrepair and said Network Rail need to carry out improvements.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We recognise what the heritage centre means to the local community which is why we carry out regular safety inspections at the station. 

"Currently, our funding is focused on more safety critical sites across the North West, so we can keep trains running safely and reliably across the network.

"However, we will continue to work with third parties to identify additional funding streams for short-term and long-term enhancement projects at Carnforth.

"We currently have an issue with flooding in the (station) subway due to heavy rain and we are investigating this.”

Carnforth Town Council will discuss the future of the heritage centre in its forthcoming meetings on Tuesday October 1 at 5.30pm by the Property and Environment Committee, and by full Council on Wednesday October 16 at 6.30pm. Both meetings will be held at Carnforth Civic Hall and will be open to the public.