Shropshire Star

£89k funding for Welshpool railway improvements

Electric charging points and other improvements will be made along a light railway line in Mid Wales thanks to £89,000 worth of government funding.

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Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway

Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, which attracts scores of tourists to the region each year, has been awarded the Welsh Government funding by the Tourism Amenity Investment Support (TAIS) scheme.

It will go towards two charging points for visitors cars on the route, along with a van shelter, a siding to allow the stabling of trains, a cattle dock, and improvements to Sylfaen Halt.

New Welsh signage will also be installed, and along with new sheds to protect historic carriages, and allow for public access to the sheds, along with lighting and security.

General manager Charles Spencer said: “Our mandate as a charity is to preserve and to operate our 116-year-old railway as a demonstration of how it supported the local agricultural community which opened it in 1903.

“The volunteers who will be working on all these projects and contributing some of their own funds are very excited about the benefits the TAIS grant will bring, as we welcome more visitors each year.”

The work comes after a programme of other improvements, including the installation of solar panels, setting up recycling facilities, eliminating single plastics in the team room, and LED lighting conversion.

Welsh Government deputy minister tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, added: “This scheme is an excellent way for us to assist the tourism sector to make the improvements to local facilities and amenities, and I’ve seen the improvements made in many areas with the help of this funding over the past year.

“Facilities such as footpaths toilets, signage, car parking are often only noticed when the provision is lacking or not up to scratch – which shows that they are an important part of the experience that people have of Wales.

"This is also an investment by the public sector in amenities for those who live in the area and will benefit locals and visitors alike. These projects also make it easier for local residents and visitors to become more active in Wales’ natural environment.”