Latest news with #JanetFinch-Saunders
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- General
- Wales Online
Residents could finally get better access to train station that's bears village's name
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info While it bears the name of Dolgarrog - the Conwy Valley station has never really been particularly accessible to people in the village. The station is situated on the opposite side of the Afon Conwy from Dolgarrog with a rough and sometimes boggy track also in the way. This contributed to it serving just 612 passengers in 2017/18 - the lowest of any station in Wales that year. The situation was compounded in 2021 when the pipe bridge over the river closed to the public due to concerns over its condition. There were fears it would never reopen. But a campaign was launched, backed by Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders and others, to get a crossing back. This eventually secured funding of £1.2m from Dwr Cymru and a £735,000 Welsh Government grant for Conwy County Borough Council to restore the bridge. This was reopened in 2023 and passenger numbers rose to just over 2,000 in 2023/24. But the paths from the village mean it's still not exactly a convenient option for locals or tourists wanting to use the Conwy Valley Line. Now though Conwy council has secured additional Welsh Government active travel funds for improvements to the existing Public Rights of Way, which connects Dolgarrog Railway Station to the B5106. The works are to be undertaken this financial year. The Local Authority is currently working on access agreements with interested landowners and will be aiming to undertake a public engagement exercise soon. Once the access agreements are in place, they will push forward with a procurement and construction phase programme. This would improve the path that emerges near the former Lord Newborough pub on the B5106. There are hopes that more money in the future could develop a link to Clark Street, which comes out in the centre of the village. MS Janet Finch-Saunders said: "Since the horrendous decision by Welsh Water to permanently close Dolgarrog Bridge, I have been pleased to lead the group of stakeholders who have succeeded to convince the water company to make a massive U-turn, and secure a £1.9m investment. 'As part of that stakeholder group it was a pleasure to work with representatives of both Dolgarrog Community Council and Conwy County Borough Council. By working together we have delivered for our community. "In fact, I have kept up the pressure and am delighted that funding has been secured to build an active travel route between Dolgarrog and the railway station this financial year. A special thanks goes to the Local Authority officials who submitted the application and are working on the plans going forward. 'Whilst my understanding is that this phase of the development will see the route reach Dolgarrog by the old Lord Newborough pub, there remains and ambition to develop a route along Clark Street in the future, but that would require further funding. 'The most import point of all is that the bridge, which following our united community campaign, Welsh Water has thankfully invested significantly in, will now have high standard accessible paths leading to it. This is excellent news." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
12 hours ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Residents could finally get better access to train station that's bears village's name
While it bears the name of Dolgarrog - the Conwy Valley station has never really been particularly accessible to people in the village. The station is situated on the opposite side of the Afon Conwy from Dolgarrog with a rough and sometimes boggy track also in the way. This contributed to it serving just 612 passengers in 2017/18 - the lowest of any station in Wales that year. The situation was compounded in 2021 when the pipe bridge over the river closed to the public due to concerns over its condition. There were fears it would never reopen. But a campaign was launched, backed by Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders and others, to get a crossing back. This eventually secured funding of £1.2m from Dwr Cymru and a £735,000 Welsh Government grant for Conwy County Borough Council to restore the bridge. This was reopened in 2023 and passenger numbers rose to just over 2,000 in 2023/24. But the paths from the village mean it's still not exactly a convenient option for locals or tourists wanting to use the Conwy Valley Line. Now though Conwy council has secured additional Welsh Government active travel funds for improvements to the existing Public Rights of Way, which connects Dolgarrog Railway Station to the B5106. The works are to be undertaken this financial year. The Local Authority is currently working on access agreements with interested landowners and will be aiming to undertake a public engagement exercise soon. Once the access agreements are in place, they will push forward with a procurement and construction phase programme. This would improve the path that emerges near the former Lord Newborough pub on the B5106. There are hopes that more money in the future could develop a link to Clark Street, which comes out in the centre of the village. MS Janet Finch-Saunders said: "Since the horrendous decision by Welsh Water to permanently close Dolgarrog Bridge, I have been pleased to lead the group of stakeholders who have succeeded to convince the water company to make a massive U-turn, and secure a £1.9m investment. 'As part of that stakeholder group it was a pleasure to work with representatives of both Dolgarrog Community Council and Conwy County Borough Council. By working together we have delivered for our community. "In fact, I have kept up the pressure and am delighted that funding has been secured to build an active travel route between Dolgarrog and the railway station this financial year. A special thanks goes to the Local Authority officials who submitted the application and are working on the plans going forward. 'Whilst my understanding is that this phase of the development will see the route reach Dolgarrog by the old Lord Newborough pub, there remains and ambition to develop a route along Clark Street in the future, but that would require further funding. 'The most import point of all is that the bridge, which following our united community campaign, Welsh Water has thankfully invested significantly in, will now have high standard accessible paths leading to it. This is excellent news."
Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Manchester Airport travel to get easier for holidaymakers in parts of North Wales
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Holidaymakers in northwest Wales could find it easier to reach Manchester Airport from next year. From May 2026 Transport for Wales is planning to extend its direct rail services from the airport to Holyhead via Bangor. At present, the aim is to include stops in Penmaenmawr, Conwy and Llanfairfechan. Transport for Wales has said the plans are 'subject to industry processes' with the May 2026 timetable yet to be validated. While the extended rail connections are potentially good news for some passengers, the service will be re-routed away from Deganwy and Llandudno. This was confirmed last month by transport minister Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport & North Wales, at Wales' first Public Transport Summit in Wrexham. Existing stations on the route include Shotton, Flint, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Abergele & Pensarn, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Junction. Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders lobbied Transport for Wales to ensure the three new stops were included in Conwy. She argued it would have been 'extremely frustrating' for local residents to have to travel to Bangor or Llandudno Junction to catch a direct train when they have stations on their doorsteps. Ms Finch-Saunders said there had been a possibility airport trains would not stop in Conwy town, which she described as 'one of the leading destinations and attractions of the whole of Wales'. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now She said: 'Over a quarter of a million visit Conwy Castle every year. Clearly, it is common sense for Conwy town to have a direct service to Manchester Airport. It will provide one of our nation's most important destinations with an international gateway, and enable even more to visit the area on public transport.' Transport for Wales (TfW) is seeking match funding for step-free access at Shotton and Ruabon stations. Residents in Penmaenmawr have pointed out there is also a need to improve access at the town's station if the new Manchester Airport service is to be a success. Online, frustrated travellers say they struggle to cross over the station bridge to the platform opposite – especially those with wheelchairs and prams. It's feared holidaymakers with heavy suitcases may also struggle. One mum said: 'I have to take my daughter out of her wheelchair, carry her round to the other side with my 3 year-old and leave them in the shelter unattended whilst I go back and get the wheelchair. Something needs to be done.' Another agreed: 'It is ridiculous trying to get over with children. I have to take my baby over with my 8 year-old then go back for the pram and it is dangerous. I am currently pregnant too and God knows how I will manage getting the train without another adult to help me. It is 21st century, there should be access for disabled people and families.' A man said this issue should be addressed so that 'people can get to work and hospital meetings before providing trains for people who can afford holidays'. Ms Finch-Saunders fought unsuccessfully to retain Llandudno on the Manchester Airport route. However TfW is aiming to introduce a new service from the resort to Liverpool next year. Other rail changes in the pipeline include a 50% increase in the number of services across the North Wales line from December 2026 to May 2026. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Train services between Wrexham and Chester will be doubled in May 2026. There will also be a through service between Wrexham and Liverpool, with the longer-term goal of running four trains per hour by 2035. The aim is to create 'metro style' train services on the North Wales line and the Marches line from Chester to Wrexham. TfW is also examining options to re-open stations and build new stations in employment growth areas. A 'test' station' at Deeside Industrial Park is being considered to gauge demand for permanent services there. Find out what's happening near you
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Senedd votes against ban on solar farms on Welsh farmland
Janet Finch-Saunders said hundreds of acres of agricultural land across Wales will otherwise be switched from a focus on food production to electricity generation. The shadow climate secretary accused UK and Welsh ministers of turning the countryside into 'meadows of metal and glass' by approving "huge, controversial' developments Leading a Conservative debate, Ms Finch-Saunders called for a moratorium on all applications to place solar panels on agricultural land. She said: 'Such a pause will enable this parliament to develop a solar strategy for Wales, looking at where we want those panels to be placed and where they are made.' Criticising plans for solar on Anglesey, she told the Senedd: 'I think we're quite united on these monstrosities; these huge schemes are not what are in the interests of Wales.' Plaid Cymru's Luke Fletcher supported the principle but called for a nuanced approach, describing the Conservative motion as 'too blunt" and warning of unfair consequences. He said: 'If an individual farmer wanted to install a modest number of solar panels on their own land, perhaps to power their farm, cut emissions or generate a little extra income, they'd be prevented from doing so. Now, that simply doesn't make sense.' Peter Fox, the Tory council leader-turned-Senedd member, warned of a lack of a national solar strategy to guide investment, regulation and grid integration. He urged the Welsh Government to look at more innovative options, such as the rooftops of public buildings, rather than 'needlessly building over good farmland throughout Wales'. Mr Fox, a farmer, said: 'We cannot simply sell parts of Wales's natural beauty off to the highest bidder, for it to be used simply as an investment.' Rebecca Evans, responding for the Welsh Government, said solar plays an important part in an ambition to host enough green energy to meet electricity consumption by 2035. Ms Evans argued national planning policy already includes a 'clear commitment' to protecting agricultural land when considering applications. Senedd members voted 23-13 against the Tory motion, with 10 abstaining. The Welsh Government's 'delete-all' amendment was also defeated, 24-23.
Wales Online
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
people watch on as rows erupt on infamous 'Swearing Bridge'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info For best views of the action, locals recommend the Tu Hunt i'r Bont tearoom or the Eagles beer garden. From here, there's a reasonable chance of seeing a 'hilarious' row erupting on Llanrwst's 17th Century bridge over the Afon Conwy. For as long as anyone can remember, High Noon showdowns have been taking place on the apex of a humpback bridge that's a Welsh icon. When drivers approach the single-lane bridge, there's no way of knowing if a vehicle is also crossing from the opposite direction. A recent video shared online showed the inevitable outcome: two motorists gesticulating, each insisting they have right of way. A few hours later, an almost identical scenario played out, this time involving a truck and a queue of cars. Some residents shake their heads sadly, others draw up their seats and watch the unfolding dramas. 'Who needs Netflix...?' noted one man online. Another added: 'We used to sit on the bridge watching them argue, it was fun!' Impasses on Pont Fawr bridge are part of local folklore – so much so that it's been dubbed Pont y Rhegi (The Swearing Bridge). One celebrated individual used to arbitrate disputes and for a while the bad language dissipated. Attempts to find a solution have done little to ease the problems. Sensors embedded in the bridge asphalt near the A470 trigger a flashing amber light on the other side of the bridge, warning oncoming drivers to stop. But by then it's often too late: two or more drivers are trundling towards each other en route to yet another Mexican stand-off. Regular users have long lived by the rule of 'first to the top wins' – first to the apex has the right of way and the other motorist must reverse off the bridge. 'I've reversed 6 times in a row before now,' sighed a local woman. 'Saves arguments.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now It's not a perfect system and increasing numbers of tourists not familiar with the local rule means the number of stand-offs is on the rise. There are other issues too: as well as endangering pedestrians on the bridge, drivers reversing onto the A470 are contravening Highway Code rule 201, which advises motorists not to back up onto main roads. Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders has asked the Welsh Government to intervene on 'numerous occasions'. 'Our understanding is that Conwy Council was working with the Welsh Government to find solutions for the A470 side of the bridge,' said a spokesperson for her office. 'But in the last 12 months we've heard nothing, so Janet will be raising further questions in the hope of reducing the risk of bridge stand-offs in the future.' (Image: Wayne Thorley) A joint project between local and national government was announced in February 2024 by Lee Waters, the former deputy minister for climate change. Its main aim was to assess new A470 and pavement markings to prevent turning vehicles from scraping the bridge parapet. The study, which would also examine traffic priorities, was 'subject to prioritisation and funding'. Former Llanrwst mayor Cllr Mostyn Jones, now chair of the town's finance committee, would prefer a solution involving three-way traffic lights – one on the Trefriw side, the other two on the A470. The latter pair would need to be sited so as to give sufficient room for traffic turning on and off the bridge. It follows years of bridge strikes by long-axis vehicles: the most recent involved a coach said to have sent mortar tumbling into the river last week. (Image: Google) Worried about constant repairs to a listed structure and a scheduled ancient monument, Cllr Jones has been lobbying heritage body Cadw for action. While Pont Fawr's 18-stone limit can accommodate two-axle HGVs and coaches, its narrow nature means slight misjudgements can have serious impacts. 'For the last two or three years I've been complaining to Cadw about the poor state of the bridge,' he said. 'With the high volume of traffic now seen in the Conwy Valley, a sustainable solution needs to be found urgently. 'Pedestrians use the bridge and we've seen that funding can be sourced for active travel schemes. A list of potential ideas must be drawn up and put out for public consultation.' Booming tourism in Eryri has brought more traffic into the Conwy Valley and its road infrastructure can struggle to cope. Notoriously, all four river crossings between Conwy town and Betws-y-Coed involve either single-lane bridges (Pont Fawr and Pont-y-Pair) or single-lane approaches (Talycafn and the Conwy town wall arch). 'There needs to be a more strategic approach to getting traffic across the river from the west side of the valley,' added Cllr Jones. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's on in your area
