A new Cambrian Lines branch of RDS has been formed in the Aberystwyth/Macynlleth area as a result of several public meetings in the two towns. The new group will promote the return of freight and special traffic to the Cambrian network. We have urged that stone needed for the Towyn sea defences will be brought in by rail instead of road. Up to 15,000 lorry journeys will be required if the rail bid is unsuccessful. Aberystwyth town council has given a grant to the new branch whose chairman is Glyn Jones and treasurer David Taylor.
Heart of Wales line
The Heart of Wales Line Forum has made a bid for £14 million from the Millennium Commission to buy panoramic railcars so tourists could see more of the scenic splendours of the route. The forum would lease the railcars to Prism Rail which operates the route. Line development officer Mike Wilson believes that the railway should be promoted as a major tourist attraction in its own right. The cheap fares scheme launched to boost traffic in the quiet winter months has been a success. Railtrack is improving facilities at stations along the line and European money has been obtained for publicity.
Freight: There are hopes china clay will be brought by rail to Shotton paper mill from Cornwall. Timber is once again being sent to Chirk from Crianlarich in Scotland. Gobowen yard has been reopened for coal and fertiliser. There are reports that when bridge work is completed on the Cambrian Lines, oil trains will return to Aberystwyth.
Freight: There are hopes china clay will be brought by rail to Shotton paper mill from Cornwall. Timber is once again being sent to Chirk from Crianlarich in Scotland. Gobowen yard has been reopened for coal and fertiliser. There are reports that when bridge work is completed on the Cambrian Lines, oil trains will return to Aberystwyth.
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