Concerns Raised Over Cambrian Rail Line 

Concerns have been raised over the short-term future of the Cambrian Rail line after Mid Wales was battered by flooding from Storm Franklin in the last few days.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales Jane Dodds is calling on the UK Government to ensure that repairs to the Cambrian Line are given “the absolute priority” over the coming weeks as the clean-up from Storm Franklin and Eunice begins.

While some elements of rail travel are devolved to Wales, control of most physical infrastructure and Network Rail remains in Westminster.

Jane Dodds concerns come after Storm Franklin led to widespread flooding across Mid Wales including along the River Severn near Welshpool and River Dyfi near Machynlleth. Preliminary indications following the receding of floodwaters is there has been significant damage to the track near Welshpool where part of the trackbed has been washed away. It is still unclear what, if any damage has occurred along other sections of the line.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales Jane Dodds said:

“It is vital the UK Government works with Network Rail to ensure repairs to the Cambrian Line take the absolute priority over the coming weeks. This includes releasing additional funding if necessary.

“The Cambrian Line serves as an economic lifeline for Mid Wales and any long-term disruption would have significant detrimental effects on all towns on the line, not least Welshpool, Newtown, Machynlleth and Aberystwyth. Any disruption will not only impact businesses and tourism but also the many commuters who use this line.

“Unfortunately we are unlikely to know the full extent of the damage and potential following disruption until flooding in Shrewsbury also subsides, but both the UK and Welsh Governments must be willing to step up and ensure any repairs to the line do not leave it shut for months on end like we have seen in other regions in the past.”