This article appeared on 2004-09-08 and expired on 2004-12-21.

Project Rheilffordd Eryri - Phase 4

The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) welcomes the news that resources have been found to finish the Welsh Highland Railway between Rhyd Ddu and Porthmadog.

James Hewett, Chairman of the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog), said:

"The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) welcomes the news that resources have been found to finish the Welsh Highland Railway between Rhyd Ddu and Porthmadog.

"We, as a long-established independent railway operating company, are fully committed to seeing the whole line restored.

"We already have a legal agreement with the Ffestiniog Railway and Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) that our heritage trains can run over the whole route between Porthmadog and Caernarfon.

"And we are actively engaged in rebuilding the line by constructing part of the missing section at our own expense. We are due to open an extension to a new terminus at Traeth Mawr in the near future.

"Today's announcement shows the Welsh Highland project can only succeed through partnership, with funding agencies, our company and the people of Gwynedd.

"We are glad to be part of that partnership, as we believe we can bring many benefits to the completed Welsh Highland Railway. We operate a popular family-friendly railway where we are recreating the atmosphere of the 1920s; we have strong links with our local community, and we are experts in constructing railways very economically to a high standard. All these things will be important to the project if it's to succeed."

The Terminus Arrangements at Porthmadog

James Hewett, Chairman of the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog), said:

"We at the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) will continue to run our trains from our existing terminus at Porthmadog (WHR) in Tremadog Road. We own this site and have operated a successful tourist attraction from there for nearly 25 years. The Ffestiniog Railway has powers to construct a separate linking line to take its trains on the finished railway to its own terminus at Porthmadog Harbour station. However, we believe that the best solution would be for trains on the finished line to terminate at our station - Porthmadog (WHR). The existing legal agreement between the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) and the Ffestiniog Railway gives Ffestiniog Railway-owned trains right of access to our terminus."

-ends-

Notes

IMPORTANT NOTES TO EDITORS:

Which Welsh Highland Railway is which?

The Welsh Highland Railway is a railway of two halves! The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) operates just under a mile of heritage railway in Porthmadog. We're independent from the other end - the Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) - which starts next to Caernarfon Castle, and runs for 13 miles to Rhyd Ddu. That section is owned by the Ffestiniog Railway, which is taking the lead in restoring the whole line.

We at the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) are supporting the Ffestiniog Railway in doing this, though even when the railway is complete, we will remain independent. One of our roles will be operating heritage trains between Porthmadog, Beddgelert and beyond, building on the successful, family orientated attraction we operate at the moment in Porthmadog. more

How do I tell them apart in copy?

By putting the words (Caernarfon) and (Porthmadog) after the name "Welsh Highland Railway". This form of words has been agreed by both companies. Remember, the Caernarfon end is owned by the Ffestiniog Railway, the Porthmadog end is independent.

So who do I talk to with more questions?

All enquiries about todays announcement, whether they're about the money, how/when the railway will be built, or how it will fit in with the local community should go to Michael Whitehouse at 01766 516024. If you want to find out more about our involvement, or the services we are going to operate, call James Hewett on 01766 513402.

See also: