MORE than 6,500 people from all over the world have now signed The Press’s petition to save the National Railway Museum, with hundreds more adding their support every day.

Supporters – horrified by the possible closure of the York museum if there are further Government funding cuts – claim it is the best of its kind in the world, and say it inspires and encourages the engineers of the future.

Others have spoken about its important place in their own family histories.

Backing has flooded in online from as far away as America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Finland, Holland and Norway, as well as from across Britain and York.

Anita Thomas, from Arizona in the United States, said the museum had been the highlight of her visit to York, while Tom Dyson, of Sydney, said the museum had been a joy when he visited as a boy, and he looked forward to taking his children there in the future.

Oliver Williams, from Hollywell, attributed his interest in steam trains to the museum.

Steven Tolliday, a Professor of Economic History at The University of Leeds, spoke out about the NRM’s place in British industrial history, saying it was a “vital global resource in understanding the British industrial revolution.”

Kathleen Mitchell, of Keighley, said: “My granddad drove the Midland 1000 and when I visit, I feel close to him.”

Lynne Flory, of York, said: “The NRM cannot close as it marks York’s place as the foremost location in railway history. Yorks railway heritage is second to none and should be celebrated.”

Derek McMahon, of York, said: “While we all understand the financial pressures on Government spending, alternative savings must be explored as an alternative to closure of this iconic historical asset, which is a cornerstone of British engineering.”

David Harris, of Ripon, said the NRM was a national treasure, which had given him 40 years of pleasure. “Can’t imagine life without it,” he said, while Alison Storrie, of Tockwith, said: “Save the fantastic treasure. The NRM. It is a fantastic place and one that my family and friends frequently visit and treasure.”

Barry Hodkinson, chairman of the Slough and Windsor Railway Society, said all its members would be horrified by closure, while Sean Atkinson, of York, said: “This must never be allowed to happen. It’s our history.”

• Please get petition forms and coupons back to The Press – or sign our online petition – by no later than next Friday, June 21, so we can get your message to the Government loud and clear before spending decisions are made.

Museum bosses have warned that the NRM or one of two northern sister museums would be likely to shut if there is a further ten per cent funding cut.


Shoppers’ support

SHOPPERS were quick to sign up when The Press took its Save The NRM petition to York’s Parliament Street.

Supporters, who included local residents, visitors and former railway and museum staff, spoke of their concern and dismay at the possible closure.

Maureen Robinson recalled moving to York from Middlesbrough in 1967 when her husband took a job at York Station.

“When we have family we always bring them to the railway museum,” she said.

Ian Foster, a former volunteer at the NRM, claimed that in recent years, there had been too much emphasis on the sister site to the museum at Shildon in County Durham, and closing the NRM in York would be an “absolute sacrilege.”

• A rally in support of the museum is due to take place at noon today at the museum’s city entrance, near the rear entrance to York Railway Station.