THE only thing which could soon be allowed to smoke on the East Lancashire Railway line is the steam train.
Bosses of the popular Bury tourist attraction are to meet next Friday to discuss implementing a complete smoking ban on its trains.
The proposal follows a recent blaze at the Bolton Street station which destroyed a special carriage for the disabled. Fire investigators established the blaze was caused by a lit cigarette which had fallen down a gap in a seat.
The coach was the only one of its kind in the country and Ramsbottom charity group, the Peel Lions, raised thousands of pounds to adapt it for wheelchair use before it was brought into service six years ago. ELR bosses said the carriage will now have to be scrapped.
Mr Peter Duncan, chairman of the ELR: "We have already discussed whether a total smoking ban should be introduced and it will be the main item at our next board meeting. It now appears that we have no alternative but to ask people travelling on our trains not to smoke."
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