Llangollen heritage railway to reopen

The Llangollen Railway opens on Saturday with staff and volunteers ramping up preparations for the new socially distanced service since last weekend.

It has involved the preparation of train sets and the stations at Llangollen and Carrog to handle passenger numbers to allow for social distancing needs.

In addition, all operational staff, drivers, guards, signalmen and station staff, have needed to be familiarised with the arrangements in place to deal with the coronavirus situation at stations and on trains for the appropriate spacing, the cleansing procedures and facilities.

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General manager, Liz McGuinness said: “Initially, we will be running three trains a day, departing Llangollen at 10.40am, 1pm and 3.10pm and advance booking is necessary. The spacing requirements for individuals and family groups means that seating will be allocated after an on-line booking is made to make best use of available seats.

"Family groups may wish to make use of the compartments for exclusive travel during their journey.

Challenge

“Bookings to date are encouraging from our supporters eager to have a ride again on the Llangollen Railway and a great way to see the Dee Valley in summertime. However, running the trains at a profit in these circumstances will be a challenge and we ask for everyone interested to support the railway to make all the effort worthwhile.”

Test trains have operated this week to allow for the railway’s operational systems to be checked out and staff to be re-introduced to working the trains, which will run non-stop between Llangollen and Carrog.

Initially the heritage diesel railcar units ran down the line, followed by the traditional set of coaches with a Class 31 diesel in charge.

The reintroduction of a steam locomotive will follow as customer numbers build up and the timetable is enhanced.

Both Llangollen and Carrog stations will be closed stations during the implementation period and non-ticket holders will not be allowed access to platforms while social distancing is in force.

Those who wish to see the train must do so from the public road.

Passengers must join the train at Llangollen and stay within the station at Carrog where refreshments will be available during the stop-over before making a return.

Further details about booking seats and timetable are available at llangollen-railway.co.uk