New way into Bala as extension takes shape
THE Bala Lake Railway has appealed for more donations towards its rapidly progressing and eagerly awaited extension into Bala town centre.
Aerial photographs taken in midNovember show tangible progress as the trackbed and formation for the extension takes shape.
The civil engineering work is being carried out on the 2ft gauge railway’s behalf by Natural Resources Wales, while it is also undertaking work on the flood defences and will soon be finished. The line’s supporters helped raise the £277,000 to make it happen.
Planning permission now is required before track can be laid on this new formation.
Over the past few years, the railway has acquired land for the route and worked with consultants to prepare and submit the planning application – a very challenging, demanding, and time-consuming process and much more costly than originally anticipated.
However, railway chairman Julian Birley said that the line has now managed to fulfil all the requirements, which will hopefully allow the Snowdonia National Park to determine and grant permission in early 2023.
“Once we have secured planning, we will be making a general appeal for the next stages of the line’s development,” said Mr Birley.
“But to keep up momentum, please support the dream now becoming a reality.
“Your donations at this crucial stage would help us enormously.”
➜ Donations to the extension project are welcome online at www. balalakerailwaytrust.org.uk