WHERE do you store a 12ft high traction engine and an old double decker bus?
When the owners of East Lancashire Light Railway were awarded a £1.6 million Heritage Lottery Grant to help pay for vital repairs to Bury Transport Museum, they were thrilled.
But they faced a challenge - where could they store their huge exhibits while the work was being done?
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The answer lay a few miles down the road in Waters Meeting, Bolton, where there is a 17,500 sq ft warehouse owned by B & E Boys.
Michael Boys, director of B & E Boys, which is based in Rossendale, said: "As a company we have a separate self-store business, but we have never been asked to store a museum collection like this!
"Luckily, we have ample space, with excellent security to look after this unique collection."
Bury Transport Museum is based in Castlecroft Warehouse, opposite ELR's main Bolton Street site, within the town centre conservation area.
The 160-year-old building was closed to visitors in 2003 due to deterioration, particularly of the roof structure.
Now, the ELR museum group has the funds to carry out an extensive restoration programme, which will include improvements to visitor access and an educational resource centre.
The museum exhibits will be stored at Waters Meeting for 16 months while the museum is updated.
Malcolm Vickers, of East Lancashire Light Railway, said: "I have known the Boys family for many years and when I needed to find a huge amount of storage space, they were the first people I called.
"They have been a great help and I know the exhibits will be well looked after."
At last, a lottery grant well deserved. Now you've got the money lads, can I have my £50 back please ?
Good to see Boys mention they've got good security on site. I'm sure there will a few evil minded thinking.....hmmmm !
At last, a lottery grant well deserved. Now you've got the money lads, can I have my £50 back please ?
Good to see Boys mention they've got good security on site. I'm sure there will a few evil minded thinking.....hmmmm !
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