Green signal for tourist railway

Llangollen railway could be used as a small commuter line

Plans to extend a north Wales tourist railway have moved a step closer.

Llangollen Railway Trust wants to extend its track from the town and link to the main rail network at Ruabon near Wrexham.

There were concerns that plans to build housing on the outskirts of Llangollen would make the extension impossible.

However, Denbighshire Council has refused planning permission for the proposed housing development, leaving the way clearer for the rail proposal.

Gower Homes had requested planning permission to redevelop the site of the former DAPOL model railway factory in Llangollen.

Economy

The firm could still appeal against the local authority's decision.

"The council's decision is the right one," said Llangollen railway spokesman Frank Spence.

"However, it does not in itself protect the track bed and any future application to redevelop the site will have to be strongly resisted.

"It has also to be remembered that the current developer has the right of appeal and may be successful in overturning the council's decision," he added.

The long term aim of the railway trust is to reconnect the Llangollen line back to the national network at Ruabon and use it as a park-and-ride service for people coming to and from the tourist town.

Last year the Llangollen Railway Trust estimated the railway contributed more than £1m a year to the local economy.

A group of enthusiastic volunteers started the rebirth of the line in September 1975 with 60 feet of track.

The line remains largely volunteer-operated and an extension of another two-and-a-half miles to Corwen is also planned.