It is a great pleasure to introduce the Conwy Valley Rail Partnership’s Report for 2019; this has been a particularly challenging year for us and our industry partners, Transport for Wales Rail Services and Network Rail.
The physical disruption caused by the flooding in March and important maintenance work, coupled with the reconstruction of Dolgarrog station, has meant that for significant periods the rail service has been replaced by road transport. As we approach the year end, it is good to know that there is, almost literally, light at the end of the tunnel.
Throughout the disruption, we have endeavoured to maintain contact with our customers and station adopters. We have had celebrations in the form of the 140th anniversary of the railway reaching Blaenau Ffestiniog and it was good to hold an event in Blaenau to mark that important historical milestone.
Hard on the heels of a change to the Wales & Borders rail franchise, we look forward in 2020 to a positive relationship with the new operator of the West Coast route, Avanti West Coast, who will provide enhanced services to connect with the Conwy Valley line as well as a through Llandudno – London service.
I would record my appreciation to my Vice-Chair, Cllr Annwen Daniels, colleagues on the Partnership Board for their all their support as well as to our Rail Officer, Melanie Lawton, for her dedicated work and ability to rise to the challenges of the past year.
Cllr Philip C Evans
Chair Conwy Valley Railway Partnership
Conwy Valley Railway Partnership Annual Report 2019 (Philip Evans) (003)