Welsh timber will be permanently carried on the main rail route through Powys after trials were deemed successful.

The 'discrete' trials between Aberystwyth and Chirk's Kronospan factory have seen the firm Colas Rail UK sign a contract to make the arrangement permanent.

The additional service has been described as 'environmentally friendly', and has been made possible with the help of Network Rail, being the first regular locomotive-hauled freight service to use the scenic Cambrian Line in more than 25 years.
(Permalink) Aberystwyth Chirk Colas Rail Kronospan Railfreight Timber

The Glyn Valley Tramway Trust is aiming to raise £250,000 to rebuild a long-lost narrow-gauge station building and platform at Chirk.
(Permalink) Chirk Glyn Valley Tramway Trust

The Scottish Executive has awarded EWS with £1m for timber traffic. The grant will be broken up as follows;



- £158,000 to partly finance the re-development of the rail freight depot at Beattock for timber. EWS is seeking further funding.



- £766,000 for a track access grant for timber sent by rail from Fort William, Crianlarich and Arrochar to Chirk in North Wales.



- £143,000 for a track access grant for timber from Kinbrace in Sutherland to Inverness. The project is also supported by the Highland Council, the Forestry Commission, the Highland Rail Partnership and EWS.


(Permalink) Arrochar and Tarbet Beattock Chirk Crianlarich EWS Forestry Commission Fort William Highland Council Highland Rail Partnership Inverness Kinbrace Timber West Highland Lines