A MUCH-LOVED loved model railway club is back on track after the 'News' stepped in to save the day.
We revealed last week how Millport Model Railway Club had been derailed by by a sudden huge electricity bill.
Secretary and treasurer John Burtt told how over £1,000 was knocked off their direct debit account, after they had previously been charged a much more reasonable £50 per month.
Despite phone calls and emails to the power company Extra Energy, the club had been unable to get any explanation for the sudden exorbitant charge - and made a plea to the Largs and Millport Weekly News to assist.
After we stepped in, the club has now received an apology and the bill has been adjusted.
A spokeswoman for Extra Energy said: "December’s bill was unfortunately based on an incorrect meter reading a visiting meter reading agent recorded in December, after the club had failed to provide their own meter readings.
"Following a phone call with the customer, Extra Energy have managed to address the issue – as he has supplied up to date readings.
"This has meant Extra Energy have been able to rebill the account, and apologise for the inconvenience caused in the meanwhile.
"The customer is £523 in credit, which will be paid out to the club’s bank account on 22nd March."
The energy firm said it had 'proved challenging' for them to contact club officials ass the club only meets on Mondays and Wednesdays and there was no email address on the account.
They added: "The customer is happy with the resolution and Extra Energy has also provided a goodwill gesture of £50 for not being able to obtain a costumer email address to prompt customer meter reads."
Club official John Burtt says he is delighted the row has been resolved.
He added: "I 'd like to thank the Largs and Millport Weekly News for helping to resolve the matter for us. It really is a result to get the trains running again. We actually photographed the electricity reader and had sent it to them. It wasn't right until the end that they actually realised the club was based on an island.
"Normal service has resumed at the club, and the trains are running again.
"I would also like to thank MSP Kenneth Gibson for his assistance in the matter."
The club, which opened ten years ago, had over 2,000 visitors last year to its base within the Garrison grounds.
It is currently looking for new volunteers to join up.
For more details, call John on 530351.