Train links to airport backed
BACKING FOR AIRPORT AND AMLWCH LINE
THE ECONOMY and Infastructure secretary says he e would like to see improved rail links for North Wales’ main civilian airport.
Anglesey Airport, which is located at the RAF Valley base, is located around 2.5 miles from the nearest railway station at Valley, or 6.5 miles from the main line’s terminus at Holyhead.
But in the Senedd last week, Ken Skates stated there was “exciting potential” in improving the links between the airport and the North Wales Mainline.
Mr Skates also confirmed he supported plans to re-open the former ‘Lein Le Amlwch’ line to towards northern Anglesey and Llangefni - both victims of the 19 1960’s Beeching Axe.
There have long b been calls to re-open th the 17 mile line from G Gaerwen to Amlwch, with enthusiasts havin ing been working on cl clearing the overgrown li line since 2012.
Crucially, despite b being closed to passenge gers in 1964, the line co continued to be used by freight until the early 1990s, meaning the tracks remain in place and relatively well preserved.
This follows a Welsh Government announcement last year that Llangefni is one of 12 towns and cities under consideration for a new railway station, which would connect to the existing rail network.
Activists who want to re-open the 17 mile line, feel this would boost their efforts as Llangefni would be one of the first stops on a resurrected Lein Amlwch service.
According to Rhun ap Iorwerth, reopening the line would help revitalise Amlwch, a town he described as having “struggled of late.”
The Plaid Cymru AM asked Mr Skates: “I was pleased when you announced recently that Llangefni was on a list of stations that could be reopened.
“Can I ask for an assurance that that is still in the pipeline, and can I urge you to move expediently towards what I hope will be a positive outcome on the possibility of opening the line to Llangefni, opening Llangefni station, but also - and crucially - beyond Llangefni and on to Amlwch?
“Because opening a line to Amlwch really would be transformational for a town that has struggled of late, and we have a unique opportunity here in that we have a line there already and in very, very good condition, which just needs a little bit of upgrading and support from Welsh Government.”
In response, the Economy and Transport Secretary, responded: “The Member has been passionate about reopening the station at Llangefni, and indeed the line to Amlwch, and it’s something that I am supportive of also.
“We’re trying to put stations in Wales in pole position for attracting UK Government investment, but, with regard to this specific example, I’d be happy to meet with the Member to discuss progress, if it is being made, because I think it has massive potential in the short term, perhaps, as a heritage line, but in the longer term as a wholescale passenger line.
“I think there is also exciting potential in improving links between the main line and Anglesey Airport.”
Mr ap Iorweth confirmed he would seek further information on the type of link being proposed to RAF Valley, but welcomed the announcement.
He added, “This is positive news not only in terms of better transport links on the island but also in terms of the future of flights from Anglesey.
“I will be taking the Cabinet Secretary up on his offer of a meeting to discuss further details.”