A popular tourist attraction insists it is business as normal as operators seeks to raise funds to purchase the site.

In last week’s Gazette, it was revealed the Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society (CVRPS) had been given one year to buy the land from its owner, an Australian property developer.

But the group’s chairman has dismissed concerns about the railway and insists the attraction’s future is secure.

Colne Valley Railway chairman Paul Lemon said: “The society is currently running the railway on a five year lease.

“The current lease has an option to purchase the railway from the landlord at a preferential rate - this is the option we are looking to take up in the next year or so as it unlocks the long term development and improvements to the railway.

“Discussions continue with the landlord, but he has given no indication about his future plans should we not take up this option.”