Plans to reinstate Welsh railway line scrapped as part of Beeching Report

An inland rail line scrapped 55 years ago as part of the infamous Beeching Report could be reinstated.

Officers will meet with consultants later this month to discuss a feasibility study into reopening the Denbigh to Corwen line and linking it with Rhyl, according to the Conwy and Denbighshire Local Democracy Reporter.

The track opened in 1858 the Vale of Clwyd line between Rhyl, St Asaph and Denbigh with Corwen. It was closed to passengers in 1962 and was used for freight traffic until 1965 when it was finally shut down.

 

‘Share’

Rhyl councillor Brian Jones, Denbighshire council’s lead member for waste, transport and the environment, is keen to see the line re-instated. In February he said it was “folly” to have closed the line in the first place.

Cllr Jones, whose father was a train driver, said: “Re-establishing the line between Rhyl and Corwen create a spine down the Vale and link the coastal strip with rural Denbighshire, opening up our county.

“We are planning a meeting with a consultancy to see how we can start a feasibility study into the idea.

“We will need to apply for grant funding but this could be a great addition to the North Wales Metro plans, which will link north Wales towns together and link the region with the North-West of England.

“The UK Government has put up £500m to do projects like this so why shouldn’t we try and get a share.

“We’ve had a meeting with a consultancy company in London who have dealt with similar projects and we will be meeting again in August.”