A MUCH-LOVED Harry Potter attraction has reopened after it was forced to suspend its services indefinitely last month.
Journeys on The Jacobite steam train, which is operated by West Coast Railways, were cancelled in July over safety concerns.
PA:Press AssociationA much-loved Harry Potter attraction has reopened after it was forced to close last month[/caption]
Services on the “Hogwarts Express” have been allowed to resume after a temporary exemption to a safety rule was granted earlier this week.
A statement on the West Coast Railways website read: “We are pleased to announce that The Jacobite service is back up and running on our morning services.
“All existing bookings on the morning service still stand and you will receive your tickets close to your departure date via email.”
But afternoon services on the train remain cancelled until August 15, 2023.
Services were allowed to resume after the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) granted the safety exemption.
A spokesperson for the ORR told Sun Online Travel: “Following an inspection of West Coast Railway Company Limited’s (WCRCL) proposed safety arrangements for the Jacobite service on the 8 August, [the] ORR has granted it a new exemption certificate which will allow the Jacobite to recommence operation.
“This exemption certificate is required for all train operators who want to use hinged door carriages without central door locking fitted.”
The exemption will be valid on services from August 8, 2023, until November 30, 2023.
This is to allow West Coast Railways to “honour its bookings and reflect the interests of its employees.”
Last month, The Jacobite steam train was forced to cease operations because of an issue with the old train’s door locks, which put passengers at risk of “falling out” as well as another problem concerned with people leaning out of windows.
A safety report, which was published by the ORR, said: “Persons may fall from the doors of a train.
“Any person leaning out of an open window of a moving train may be struck as the train passes infrastructure (including vegetation, rock cuttings, and earthworks) close to the train.”
It’s thought that an estimated 500,000 tourists swamp the West Highland village each year, with the train being one of the main draws.
But the UK is filled with plenty of other famous Harry Potter attractions including a stunning seaside town, which is situated near Hogwarts.
And this “paradise” UK beach was also a filming location for some of the Harry Potter films.
Freshwater West is arguably best well-known as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
AlamyMorning services on The Jacobite steam train are able to resume[/caption] Read More