VOLUNTEERS were devastated to find Carlisle Hammond's Pond Railway line has once again fallen victim to severe vandalism. 

The metal cladding across the front of the clubhouse has been battered in, with the perpetrators also seemingly trying to set it alight. 

Additionally, vandals tried to break into the clubhouse through the front door, resulting in a completely split door frame that now requires replacement.

Not only will it cost the group considerable funds to repair the damage, but they now face additional expenses to fortify the building and prevent similar vandalism in the future. 

A spokesperson from Carlisle's model railway line said Cumbria Police have stated that there is little they can do as the CCTV was unable to capture the incident.

Volunteers arrived on site to discover the vandalism ahead of an event hosted by Bee Unique,  a charity set up to help support those dealing with Autism. 

Chairperson of Carlisle's Model Engineering Society, Stephanie Saville, said: "This disgusting, destructive unforgivable behaviour has to stop, everyone involved with Hammonds Pond is trying their best to provide public services for the community and a small part of that community is destroying it behind everybody’s back." 

Both Cumbria Police and the railway line group are urging anyone with information about the individuals responsible for the criminal damage to come forward.

News and Star: Similar damage occurred to the group's new carriage shed last year (2022)Similar damage occurred to the group's new carriage shed last year (2022) (Image: Supplied)

A spokesperson from Carlisle Police said: "This small railway, ran by volunteers, has been going for generations and most families in Currock, Upperby and the rest of Carlisle can probably remember visiting when they were a child.

"Having the young people in the area causing this mindless damage to the buildings is extremely disappointing.

"This has cost the group money to repair and they are now facing further costs to secure the building to prevent further damage. This shouldn't be the case!

"If you see anyone hanging around the sheds or within the fenced boundary please encourage them to leave if they refuse, call us.

"As a community, we need to protect this fantastic little railway so future generations can enjoy a trip around on the train," they said. 

The club, which has been there since 1936 and is cherished by generations of residents, fell victim to a similar attack last year.  

Weeks before a new carriage shed was to be unveiled following funding, volunteers discovered profanity graffitied across their new asset.