Warning as people walk on rail line

PEOPLE using a popular narrow gauge railway line as a footpath during the current lockdown are putting their lives at risk.

The Ffestiniog Railway have been forced to suspend operations because of the coronavirus pandemic and timetabled services have not been running on the 40-mile line from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog and onto Caernarfon.

But railway officials said some trains are being operated for maintenance purposes and these run with out warning.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway General Manager Paul Lewin said many people have been seen walking on the track since the lockdown was introduced in late March.

He said: “This is of grave concern to us at the Ffestiniog Railway as trains are still running occasionally but without warning.

“As a narrow gauge railway built originally to carry slate from the quarries at Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog clearances are very tight.

“In some places there are just inches between the train and the cuttings. And where the line is built on ledges the only place to go is to jump.”

Mr Lewin said other incidents reported to officials include leaving gates open and walking across the line at Cae Pawb, Porthmadog where the Welsh Highland crosses the main Cambrian Line.

“There have also been instances of people wondering about our workshops at Minffordd and Boston Lodge.

“They have been surprised to see people still at work carrying out essential tasks,” he said.

Appealing to people to avoid the railway Mr Lewin said keeping the line in good condition was essential to allow services to restart as soon as Government regulations allowed.