VOLUNTEERS are refusing to let vandals halt their restoration of a historic railway after train windows were smashed.

Police believe about 12 children broke into the former station in Station Road, North Weald, which the Epping Ongar Railway society has been restoring, on Wednesday night.

Simon Hanney, the railway society’s secretary, said the damage would have to be repaired, but he was determined to push ahead with the project, which about 65 volunteers regularly work on.

“It’s disappointing,” he added. “We’re very keen to try and deter people from trespassing on the railway, because it’s an offence and also, it’s very dangerous.

“It’s an operational railway and we’re doing a lot of shunting and engineering works.

“We’re at a very exciting stage. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to be training people to drive locomotives, under supervision.

“These are full-size trains. This isn’t a Hornby train set.”

He said volunteers would also be stepping up security patrols on the railway and CCTV had been installed there.

Inspector Paul Maleary said: “The railway society relies heavily on volunteers who help in the running of this valuable local attraction and this will be a big blow to them.

“The majority of the children who reside in the area are outstanding members of the community. It is a great shame that a minority feel the need to cause mindless damage.

“The issues of graffiti in the area has also posed problems and I am sure that if the parents of those responsible had to pay for any repairs they would pay greater attention to their child's nocturnal activity.”

He said criminal charges may be brought against those responsible and urged parents to “keep a careful eye” on their children.

Anyone with information on the incident should call Insp Maleary via the police non-emergency number 101.

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