Press Releases
This page contains news releases published by the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust.
For more information please email jane@glynvalleytramway.co.uk.
Press Release 4th March 2009
Successful Public Consultation
Consultants to the GVT Trust, TIR Ltd, hosted a Public Consultation and display of draft proposals for the development and interpretation of the route of the former Glyn Valley Tramway between Chirk and Glyn Ceiriog. This is the first preliminary public outcome of the High Level Study being undertaken by TIR and is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is financed by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union with additional support from Wrexham CBC.
The narrow gauge Glyn Valley Tramway, which closed in 1935, linked slate and granite Quarries in the Ceiriog Valley to Chirk as well as offering a passenger service. One of the unique features of the line was sections of roadside tramway where it ran next to the road without a fence.
The proposals presented, were a first draft of what could be delivered and are still subject to much detailed work, broadly the proposals can be broken down into 5 Phases to be delivered of a timescale which will be dependent upon funding and local commitment. TIR’s, Chris Phillimore, who attended the event, is keen to stress that the proposals are early drafts and that there are a large number of conceptual and technical issues to be addressed before a final scheme can be presented to the Planning Authority later in the year.
Phase 1would be an operational section of restored Tramway from Chirk to Pontfaen.
Phase 2would be the creation of a ‘Virtual Tramway’ along the whole original route to Glyn Ceiriog by use of maps, publicity and interpretation boards and possibly linking with a restored Engine Shed at Glyn Ceiriog.
In Phase 3the Trust would look to work with other parties to develop a variety of wider ‘heritage trails’ around the Chirk area.
Phase 4 would be a longer term aspiration to extend the working Tramway to Castle Mill, possibly to link in with the interpretation of the site of the Crogan Battlefield.
Finally, Phase 5(which could start immediately) would see initially the protection of the remaining sections of the roadside formation to Glyn Ceiriog for possible re-instatement on a very long term basis and dependant on major changes in residents’ lifestyle more as a Public Transport function than for heritage. In the meanwhile, sections of the formation that are extant could be surfaced to provide safer cycle or walking routes and to complement the Virtual Tramway concept.
These draft proposals were generally very well received. Over 60 people of all ages attended the Chirk event and over 40 the Glyn Ceiriog presentation. Of the responses received so far, 66% were in favour of the overall project. While 92% of respondents said that they had heard of the GVT Trust. 68% said that the project would be a benefit to the community.
The consultants will now move on to evaluation of the responses in more detail and working to further develop the proposals in both scope and detail. It is hoped that a final scheme will be able to be presented at the Chirk Carnival on 27 June 2009 at which the Trust hopes to have a special guest present!
Chris Phillimore, MD, TIR Ltd: Consultants to the GVT trust. www.tir-ltd.co.uk
For more information or to join the Trust please go to: www.glynvalleytramway.co.uk
JANUARY 2009
GlynValley Tramway Trust
Press Release 14th January 2009
The Glyn Valley Tramway Trust is organising working parties clearing vegetation on the former Glyn Valley Tramway between Chirk and Pontfaen a distance of one mile to allow the formation to be surveyed by consultants TIR Ltd as part of a Design and Evaluation Study. The project is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is financed by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union. The Trust wishes to express its thanks to Guy Myddelton of Myddelton Estates for permission to undertake the work.
The narrow gauge Glyn Valley Tramway, which closed in 1935, linked slate and granite Quarries in the Ceiriog Valley to Chirk as well as offering a passenger service. One of the unique features of the line was sections of roadside tramway where it ran next to the road without a fence.
The Study is looking at options for the re-instatement of the line as a steam heritage railway in an area which is due to become a World Heritage site and potentially could benefit from development of other aspects of local History. The Trust launched its plans at Chirk in June 2008 with a restored GVT style wagon which is now on display at Chirk Smokery. Its membership has grown to nearly 60 in less than 6 months, 18 of whom have undertaken physical activities in working parties and administration.
The consultants, TIR Ltd, are organising a ‘Public Consultation’ on Saturday 28th February 2009 between 10:00 and 12:30 in Chirk Parish rooms and between 14:00 and 16:30 in Glyn Ceiriog Community Centre. This is an opportunity for local people to give their views on the scale and scope of any proposed re-instatement. There will be a small exhibition outlining work so far and the draft outline proposals.
Trust Chairman David Cooper said “We have had a fantastic response and are now signing up members at the rate of ten a month and which is building up momentum and getting things done. I have walked the cleared formation of the long-lost Tramway several times in recent weeks and I can tell you this will be a stunning line. The track hugs the hillside overlooking the Ceiriog with excellent views of the Aqueduct and Viaduct East of Chirk. It has been asleep for over 70 years. It’s a hidden gem and a rebuilt Glyn Valley Tramway with steam hauled trains with give the local economy a huge boost”
Trust Project Manager David Dilnot said “We are helping our consultants by clearing the line so a detailed a technical survey of the track bed can be undertaken. This will allow a comprehensive proposal, complete with detailed designs and business case to be developed and presented to the local community and funding partners. We are confident that actual reconstruction work can start in 2010. This is an opportunity for local people and those with an interest in industrial history and railways to be involved from the very inception of the project.”
Anyone interested in joining the Trust can contact the Membership Secretary; Dr Bernard Rockett, Orchard House, Manor Farm Lane, Oldbury, Bridgnorth, WV16 4HG
For more information or to join online: www.glynvalleytramway.co.uk
David Cooper, Chairman, GVT Trust
david.cooper@glynvalleytramway.co.uk;Tel 01691 718991
AUGUST 2008
Award of High Level Study ContractThe Board of the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust are pleased to announce that the contract for the High Level Study into the possibility of re-instating the line of the former Glyn Valley Tramway from Chirk to Glyn Ceiriog as an heritage railway and so contributing to the expansion of the tourist economy of Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley has been awarded to Thirty Inch Railways of Chard Junction, Somerset.
David Dilnot the Chairman of the GVT Trust Project Team that was responsible for the selection said of the four tenders submitted the submission by Thirty Inch Railways met all the criteria set down by the Welsh Assembly Government and Northern Marches Cymru, to whom I am indebted for all their guidance.
He continued by saying that the contract will also see Thirty Inch Railways undertaking the Detailed Technical Design for Phase 1, envisaged as Chirk Station to Pontfaen and the preparation of the associated Detailed Business Plan. The fourth and last part of the contract commits Thirty Inch Railwats to the creation of a Public Event, which it is envisaged will take place in February or March of 2009, when the outcomes of the High Level Study together with their Detailed Technical Design for Phase 1 and its associated Detailed Business Plan, will be placed on public display.
In conclusion he said that the Trustees of the GVT Trust could not have advanced so far so quickly if it had not been for the total support given to the Trust by the Welsh Assembly Government, Wrexham County Borough Council and Northern Marches Cymru, who brought European Union and National Government Funding together through the Rural Development Programme.
For a comment from Thirty Inch Railways, please contact Chris Phillimore their Managing Director on 01460 221 303, or by e-mail at chris.phillimore@btinternet.com.
JULY 2008
GLYN VALLEY TRAMWAY TRUST RECEIVES COMBINED GRANT OF £38,500 FROM WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT AND WREXHAM CBC TO UNDERTAKE PRELIMINARY WORK TO RE-INSTATE GVT FROM CHIRK.
Today (3July 2008) the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust has received confirmation that it has been successful in winning a £30,000 grant from from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) via the Welsh Assembly Government, to allow the Trust to undertake all the detailed work required before re-construction of the Glyn Valley Tramway can begin at Chirk.
The Grant will be administered through Northern Marches Cymru and an additional £8,500 has been pledged by Wrexham County Borough Council. The Grant will pay for the engagement of external Consultants to undertake a range of work that will be required in advance of construction.
The First Part will be a High Level Study to look in detail at the overall future of the original route of the Glyn Valley tramway and how it might be re-instated in part or in total, either directly through the Trust or other interested bodies. This study will include the feasibility of re-instating the roadside sections and the tramway’s possible role in a changed future Public Transport environment. The High Level Study will also look at the potential benefits of an operational Tramway to the local economy and its integration within the local tourist scene. The work will involve a substantial amount of consultation including public and private stakeholders, special interest groups and the general public.
The Second Part will cover all the detailed work required for a First Phase re-instatement at Chirk. This will include all the technical design work including Railway and Buildings, Environmental and other specialist reports. This will also include a detailed business plan that will be used by the Trust to support its on-going fund raising activities to deliver the actual construction. The Consultants will undertake a range of scoping and consultation activities and the final document will include all the documents required to make a Planning Application.
The Final Part will be a Public Exhibition / Event to present the results of the High Level Study and design of Phase 1.
The Trust will be publishing advertisements in local press, national specialist publications and online at www.glynvalleytramway.co.uk The closing dates for Tenders will be by 12 noon Friday 1 August 2008. The successful Contractor will be notified by Friday 8st August 2008. The work will be completed by 28th November 2008 and the Public exhibition will be held before the end of March 2009 (date to be confirmed)
The Glyn Valley Tramway Trust is very grateful for the assistance and support given it by a large number of local individuals and organisations and believes that this will be the first step to seeing steam trains running on the Glyn Valley Tramway within 2 years.
JUNE 2008
British Industry helps Glyn Valley Tramway Trust
Two of Britain’s major industrial organisations have to-day joined forces to help the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust, they are Jewsons a major stockist and supplier of building materials through their distribution centre in Chirk, Wrexham, and major international board manufacture Kronospan, whose British headquarters are also based in Chirk, Wrexham.
The two organisations have joined forces to help move the GVT Trust’s first piece of rolling stock, an 11 ft long replica of an original GVT freight wagon, from Chard Junction in Somerset, where it has been built, to Chirk. There it will go on display at the forthcoming Chirk Carnival and Fun Day, where the GVT Trust will have a strong presence, featuring three separate stalls for marketing, recruitment and membership whilst operating in collaboration with the Wrexham Model Engineering Club, a 5inch passenger carrying railway.
Mike McKenna of Kronospan said “ We are delighted to have been able to help in this project, which we see as leading to the ultimate restoration of the Glyn Valley Tramway which will do so much for the economy of Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley” His views were echoed by Lee Davies, Jewsons Manager in Chirk, who added that as a Chirk resident and having ben born in the town, he was very pleased to see the old GVT line being restored.
More pictures here: http://www.wagon.glynvalleytramway.co.uk.
Chirk Fun Day – Saturday 28th June 2008
In connection with the Fun Day, the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust intend to be ‘on the field’ in strength, using the ‘Fun Day’ as a way of engaging with the people of Chirk.
The Trust will feature three stalls, the first being the Trust’s ‘Market Stall’ where will be available a range of gifts and souvenirs, suitable for persons of all ages.
The second stall will be the Trust’s Information and Volunteer Recruitment Bureau. Here those interested in the technical aspects of the line’s regeneration from the original Chirk terminus to Glyn Ceiriog, can meet and talk to David Dilnot, the Trust’s Project Manager, and then (perhaps) sign up to help in one of the many volunteering categories that the Trust is developing.
The third stall will be the Trust’s Membership and Publicity Stand. Here all those interested in joining and supporting the work of the Trust can become active or passive members, through a wide range of membership schemes whilst talking to Bernard Rockett the Trust’s Membership Secretary. For those wanting further information, such as members of the press, local government officers and political representatives, Jane Redfern-Jones will be on hand to deal with their enquiries and make suitable appointments or introductions.
In collaboration with the Wrexham Model Engineering Club, we are operating a 120 ft passenger carrying railway of 5in gauge, which throughout the afternoon will run from Chirk to Glyn Ceiriog (in miniature), charging a nominal sum for transportation.
Finally, fresh from the workshop, will be our GVT ‘style’ Wagon No.5, a most impressive piece of rolling stock some 11ft in length and 6ft high, brought to Chirk by Jewsons of Chirk as a token of their support for the Trust.
The Trustees look forward to seeing you on the day!