Welsh Government study could lead to re-opening of Anglesey railway line closed under controversial Beeching cuts

Welsh Government transport chiefs believe that a new study would provide a “strong strategic case” to re-open the Amlwch to Gaerwen railway line.

Until the infamous ‘Beeching Axe’ was swung in the 1960s, regular passenger services ran along the 18 miles of track connecting the north of the island with the North Wales Coast Line.

But despite being closed to passengers in 1964, it continued as a freight service until the early 1990s, crucially meaning the tracks remain in place and preserved to a degree.

The island’s MS has welcomed clarification that funding will now be sought to allow a study which would confirm the economic and community benefits of a shared line encompassing rail and a multi-use path.

A formal request has been made to UK Government’s railways ‘ideas fund’ looking at how a rail service, initially from Amlwch, through Llangefni, Gaerwen and Bangor, could eventually go on to Llandudno as part of the rail network.

In 2012, a licence was granted by Network Rail to the Lein Amlwch group to begin the arduous task of clearing the overgrown line.

However, there are also counter-efforts by others who back Lon las Mon –  a proposed shared path to make use of the existing route for non-motorised use including walkers, runners, cyclists and even horses.

But with a 2009 report by Sustrans Cymru concluding that it could be used for a dual purpose heritage railway and mixed-use path, Mr ap Iorwerth says he’s eager to bring together groups that currently harbour opposing visions for the line.

“This is an important step forward, and it’s this kind of serious study that we need to consider the opportunities and challenges for this line,” he added.

“I particularly welcome the fact that the government specifies the need to look at the options for active travel alongside the railway, and how to incorporate ‘Heritage Railway’ use, too.

“At the same time, I’ve been corresponding with the local authority and others recently about various options that could be investigated for active travel paths.

“There are many opportunities on that front, but only one option on the island for developing rail as public transport.”

Responding to Mr ap Iorwerth, civil servants within the transport department confirmed that their bid to the UK Government seeks funding to explore the potential of a heritage railway working side by side with an active travel route, encompassing cycling and walking and other such pursuits.

They added that the brief of the study would also make it compulsory to seek the views of local interest groups, going on to note: “The conventional rail operations would be regular services between Amlwch, Llangefni and Bangor, with the potential to extend services along the coast to Llandudno.

“We believe the study should show that there is a strong strategic case for reopening delivery of these services, which will make a significant contribution to the economy and well-being of Anglesey.

“Rail infrastructure is a non-devolved responsibility, and the UK Government would have to commit to investing in reopening these services when the case is proven.”

Anglesey council has included reopening the Lein Amlwch railway line in its North Anglesey Economic Plan, set up last year in the wake of the closure of several employers in the Amlwch area including the former Magnox nuclear plant and the Rehau plastics plant.

A council spokesman said: “We would welcome any opportunity of revitalising Lein Amlwch in terms of the economic benefits it could potentially bring to the North of Anglesey and the island as a whole.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter