A BELOVED miniature railway will finally get its trains back on track for the first time in two years, despite vandalism plaguing the site in the past.

The Canvey Model Railway, off Somnes Avenue, had planned to stay shut the rest of this year and into the spring, due to the damage caused by yobs to fences and stations, alongside drug dealing and booze problems near the site.

However, thanks to some old fashioned elbow grease from volunteers and a hefty £4,000 bill, all the damage has been restored, and the miniature railway can get moving again on Sunday.

The popular family venue has been shut since Covid began, and the team have put in place Covid security measures.

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Secretary Brian Prior, 76, said: “Families will be given a coach to themselves, and if we get a single rider, they will also get a coach to themselves.

“We want to keep people as apart as we can, like it was when we had to keep two metres apart.

“We’ve also got an automated station announcer now, so we don’t need to get as close to the families on the train.”

Groups of up to 20 youngsters have previously been seen damaging the wooden fences, which have now been replaced with metal fencing instead.

Parties during lockdown have also been held at stations along the railway, with laughing gas canisters and bottles left behind.

Needles have also been seen near the tracks.

The volunteers expect to be clearing up after the yobs on Sunday morning.

Mr Prior added: “It’s been happening for a long time now, it’s every Friday and Saturday evening now, but it seems nobody can do anything about it.

“We will tolerate it if no damage is done to the fences or stations.

“It has taken us all summer to get to this stage, and we’re all really looking forward to it.

“It’s going to be a really exciting day for everyone, everyone is welcome.”

Mr Prior thanked the volunteers, the Canvey Rotary club, as well as families and friends for their support in getting the site open again.

The miniature railway will open as a “trial” on Sunday, and again the following week, before closing again for the winter.

It is hoped it will re-open again at Easter next year.