FEARS by local railway enthusiasts that the historic locomotive Margaret may disappear from Pembrokeshire are not without foundation.

The Swindon-based GWR Heritage Trust made an offer to Pembrokeshire County Council in August 2000 to restore the 123-year-old engine with a view to getting it back in service on the Vale of Glamorgan line.

But nothing has so far come of the approach and Margaret lies rotting in the open at Scolton Museum, deteroriating rapidly with no plans for its future.

Secretary of the GWR Heritage Trust, Mr Steve Atkins, said there was no question of the Margaret being sold, but rather being taken to Swindon for a £50,000-£60,000 restoration to full steam which would take about 18 months. The idea was that it would then go on long-term loan, probably for ten years, to a Welsh steam railway such as the Vale of Glamorgan line, where they needed a suitable engine to haul two restored Victorian four to six wheel coaches.

We asked the county council if there was any chance we could have the Margaret on loan to restore it before going to the Vale of Glamorgan or some other suitable railway in Wales. We would be open to any suggestions. We thought it would be better to see it back in working condition rather than rotting at Scolton. It badly needs new tyres and there is asbestos lagging in the boiler. It has been out in the open so long it is deteriorating rapidly and could soon be beyond restoration, Mr Atkins warned.