Let’s put Llanelli at the front of the queue

 Let’s put Llanelli at the front of the queue

How would you like to see the Llanelli Railway station developed? And the surrounding area? And what uses would you suggest for the former Llanelli West signal box?

These were among the topics discussed at a meeting held in Llanelli just two days before Keolis Amey took over the running of Welsh trains and stations as Transport for Wales on Sunday the 14th of October. The meeting last Friday (12^th October) brought together Llanelli’s MP Nia Griffith, the Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust, the Friends of Llanelli Railway Station and the Heart of Wales Line Development Company Limited.

Nia Griffith MP explained:

“We want Llanelli to get in early with the new teams taking over Welsh railways from last Sunday. The new operators have promised significant investment, and we want Llanelli to be at the front of the queue. So we are brainstorming and pooling ideas, with a view to meeting Network Rail and the newly formed Transport for Wales Rail Services later this year.”

Llanelli Town Mayor Cllr David Darkin, who chairs the Friends of Llanelli Train Station, said:

“We want to use the development of the station and integrated transport hub as an opportunity to regenerate the town and attract people in. We have already drawn up plans for a garden opposite the Coffee Pot, and we are working with Llanelli Community Heritage to provide an information board.”

David Edwards of the Heart of Wales Line Development Company said:

“Llanelli is at the junction of the main line and the Heart of Wales Line, and with both Transport for Wales and Network Rail now stressing community involvement, this is a good time to see how these Railway links can help bring regeneration to Llanelli.”

Rev. Eldon Phillips from the Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust added:

“Upgrading the Station will complement the transformation of the Goods Shed for community use, but it is important that any development helps to celebrate Llanelli’s rich railway and industrial heritage.

“We are currently very excited at the opportunity to take over the former Llanelli West signal box and would welcome your ideas for its use.”

If you would like to feed in ideas, please get in touch with David Darkin, Chair of the Friends of Llanelli Train Station group, on david@darkinarchitects.com