9th October 2020

MP delighted SKLR is awarded Cultural Recovery Fund grant

 

One of Sittingbourne’s best loved attractions has been given a crucial lifeline thanks to a major Government scheme.

 

The Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway been awarded £26,500 after successfully applying to the Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage, set up to help the country’s cultural gems survive the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Local MP Gordon Henderson said he was delighted at the award and how the money would protect a vital part of the area’s heritage.

 

The CRF is funded by the Government and delivered by heritage experts - the Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund - to support organizations in England across the heritage ecosystem that are local and national treasures but have fallen on hard times due to the pandemic.

 

More than £67m is being shared out among of 433 successful applicants from across England to help with key repair and maintenance work, and help sites operate and recover.

 

A raft of famous sites across the country have been awarded funding including historical areas, buildings, monuments, collections, museums, archives and places of worship.

 

Mr Henderson said:

 

‘The Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway is such a much loved part of the town’s heritage, and provides pleasure to so many local people, so I am thrilled this money will help it weather the coronavirus storm and ensure it will be around for future generations to enjoy. Huge credit must go to the Government for this invaluable support.’

 

The package of support is the first round of funding from the Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund. Today has also seen a dozen organizations, including English Heritage, the National Trust and the Canal and River Trust share £34 million from the Heritage Stimulus Fund to preserve visitor attractions.

 

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

 

‘As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past. This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounce back post coronavirus. I’m so pleased that we have been able to help the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway.’