With the New Wales and Border franchise under consideration by the Welsh Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM has made the most of this opportunity to influence the future of the Conwy Valley Railway Line by asking whether a direct rail service can be introduced from Manchester Airport to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Janet said:
“Recently, I have been pleased to find the Welsh Government agreeing with me about the importance of the Conwy Valley Railway line, especially for our tourist industry.
“In addition to the line being celebrated nationally by great rail enthusiasts such as Michael Portillo, it provides a fantastic link to some of North Wales’ biggest attractions, including Bodnant Gardens form Tal y Cafn station; Surf Snowdonia from Dolgarrog; Tu Hwnt ir Bont Tearooms from Llanrwst; and the mountains of Snowdonia – including Snowdon – from Betws-y-Coed.
“With the new Wales and Border franchise now under consideration, we have a real chance to influence the future of the line, so I want to see more done to boost its benefit to locals and especially our tourist industry.
“A fantastic way to do this would be to introduce a direct rail service from Manchester Airport to Blaenau Ffestiniog. This would help bring more visitors to the Conwy Valley, as the airport would then become a truly global gateway to Snowdonia National Park”.
ENDS
Documents
Written Assembly Question to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport:
Will the Cabinet Secretary explain whether a direct rail service can be introduced from Manchester Airport to Blaenau Ffestiniog so that the Conwy Valley may benefit from better rail connectivity, and outline any considerations that have been made for this in the discussions over the new Wales and Border franchise?
Notes
Cabinet Secretary questioned over long term future of Conwy Valley Railway Line
Aberconwy AM Receives Assurances over Future of Conwy Valley Railway Line
Wales and Borders rail franchise 2018 procurement
Conwy Valley rail line numbers up - thanks to Michael Portillo