PM offers vocal Llangollen line's future

PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has said be believes the Llangollen Railway (LR) has "a glorious future ahead" after being asked about the railway during Prime Minister's Questions on May 13.

Mr Johnson's statement came after the LR's local Westminster representative, Simon Baynes MP, asked: "The hospitality and tourism businesses in my constituency of Clwyd South are vital for the health of the local economy, of which a very good example is the Llangollen steam railway.

"Will the prime minister join me in congratulating the railway on its current restructuring and fundraising campaign designed to see it through the coronavirus crisis?

"After the crisis is over, will he please hop on board one of its steam trains when he is next in Llangollen?"

Mr Johnson replied:"! have a picture at home of myself and William Hague aboard the Llangollen steam railway, I am proud to say.

"I congratulate the group on what they are doing to raise funds. I have no doubt that they have a glorious future ahead with my Honourable Friend's support:'

Coincidentally, it happened on the same day the LR announced its Covid-19 appeal had received around £75,000 in share purchases and donations, helping to secure its future.

The railway has also applied for a £70,000 Resilience Grant from the Welsh Government and a Bounce Back Loan from the bank, backed by the Government.

At the time of writing the LR had yet to hear regarding either of these applications.