MEMBERS of the public are being urged to report any suspicious activity after attempts to re-open a Fenland railway line continue to be delayed.

The Bramley Line Trust are aiming to restore the mothballed line between March and Wisbech which opened in 1874. It has been closed to passengers since 1968 and hasn’t been used to transport goods for more than 20 years.

Thieves have reportedly targeted the line between Wisbech and March on a number of occasions since parts have been re-laid, allegedly stealing thousands of pounds worth of rail components in the process.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “We received one report in February that pieces of railway property had been stolen.

“Officers attended and conducted a thorough search of the area, as well as making further enquiries at local scrap metal dealers in case the thieves had tried to sell the items on. No suspicious metal was discovered at any of the scrap metal yards during the visits.

“We’re doing everything we can to combat the problem and we urge anyone who sees anybody acting suspiciously in the area to contact us.”

Ray Fothergill, a Bramley Line trustee, admits plans to re-open the track are now months behind schedule.

He said: “Every time something goes missing it puts us back ex-number of weeks but we won’t be stopped. We’re very serious about getting this line re-installed and working again.

“The transport police are doing their best and it’s encouraging to know they’ve got a watchful eye on the line. I’d just urge people to pick up the phone and not be frightened by reporting anything suspicious.”

Mr Fothergill also said further steps would be taken to make the Waldersea Yard area of the line, near Friday Bridge, more secure.

To report suspicious activity contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.