Calls to redevelop historic railway carriage

An appeal has been issued for a new operator to redevelop a historic railway carriage.

The carriage, which is a British Rail Mark 1 design, is at the former West Grinstead Station in Horsham.

The station stopped operating when British Rail chairman Dr Richard Beeching announced the removal of unprofitable railways during the 1960s.

West Sussex County Council said transferring the railway carriage would save repair costs, but a spokesperson said information on the amount of savings was not available when asked by the BBC.

The council added that the ideal candidate will need to "demonstrate the ability to take on, manage and maintain this asset".

The spokesperson said: "The purpose of community asset transfer is to enable local communities to take on assets for local community benefit.

"This could be to support local people and stimulate local economy.

"The community groups interested identify how they wish to utilise the asset to meet local demand."

Candidates are required to submit an expression of interest and provide an overview of how they would use the carriage and to prove there is demand from the community.

The closing date for expressions of interest close on 3 March.

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