Anglesey's 'ghost railway' could re-open for first time in more than 50 years

A North Wales ‘ghost railway’ that has been closed for 50 years could re-open.

The Welsh Government confirmed that Llangefni is one of 12 towns and cities under consideration for a new railway station, which would connect to the existing rail network

Last week, the Welsh Government confirmed that Llangefni is one of 12 towns and cities under consideration for a new railway station, which would connect to the existing rail network.

Until ‘Beeching’s Axe’ in the 1960s, the town was part of the Anglesey central line running from Gaerwen to Amlwch , dating back to the 1860s.

But despite being closed to passengers in 1964, it continued as a freight stop until the early 1990s, crucially meaning the tracks remain in place and relatively well preserved.

If the Government forge ahead with reconnecting Llangefni to the main line, via Gaerwen, activists believe this would be a major boost for plans to re-open the entire branch all the way to its terminus on the northern coast at Amlwch.

A local group known as the Anglesey Central Railway, or Lein Amlwch, was granted a licence by Network Rail in 2012 to begin working on the overgrown line, having already cleared many miles of track.

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Walter Glyn Davies has long been calling for the restoration of passenger services to Amlwch, adding that extensive studies have shown the infastructure to be “remarkably well maintained.”

The former schoolteacher said: “In 1964, when I was 21 years old, I wrote to Ernest Marple, then Transport Minister, urging him to ignore the recommendations of Dr Beeching to close the line.

“Sadly, we’re not there yet but just this week, as we have been doing for many years, we have 10 volunteers working of sections of the line at Llangwylliog and Amlwch.

“As you’d expect, some sleepers need replacing but the line is in very good shape overall. We’re determined to see it re-open,”

The Welsh Government’s study is considering whether re-establishing the southern section of the line from Llangefni to Gaerwen, where it would meet the existing North Wales mainline, is economically viable.

Lein Amlwch, however, hope to then restore the remaining sections of track to allow passenger services along the whole 17 mile route which also included stations at Llangwyllog, Llannerch-y-Medd and Rhosgoch.

They eventually hope to emulate other popular services such as the Llangollen Heritage Railway, or the Ffestiniog Railway, which generates £15m a year and sustains 350 jobs.

“We have been in this situation before, but I hope we will see real progress with this current study,” added Mr Davies.

“Re-opening the line would connect thousands of people to the rail network and would also be a tremendous boost for tourism attractions across the island, the possibilities are endless.”

In response to the Welsh Government’s study the island’s MP, Albert Owen, said: “I spoke to Ken Skates last week and welcome this study as I’ve been lobbying for rail improvements and this appraisal puts Llangefni on the travel destination map and could boost the whole of central Anglesey.

“Add this to a potential third crossing and the announcement for port developments and we are making progress on a fully integrated system that Ynys Môn and north west Wales deserves.”

Ieuan Wyn Jones, for Plaid Cymru, added: “The initial steps to reopen the line were first put forward during my time as Deputy First Minister.

“I am pleased that progress is being made.

“The reopening would see key employment hubs such as health board offices, Bangor University and council offices being reconnected once again, easing commuter congestion and benefiting the environment.

“I look forward to seeing the findings of the feasibility study and hope it will bring good news.”