Press Release: 28/07/2010
New light at the end of the old railway tunnels.
There may be a new light and a new lease of life for the old railway tunnels in Wales Aberavon AM Dr Brian Gibbons said this week.
Aberavon AM Dr Brian Gibbons has recently meet with Sustainable transport charity Sustrans and other interested parties to explore the possibility of opening some of the old railway tunnels in the south Wales valleys to form part of the sustainable transport network.
Dr. Gibbons said; “I have raised this issue with the Assembly Government Heritage Minister in Plenary and I was very pleased with the positive response he made about exploiting the potential of the former railway tunnels in South Wales. I have followed the matter up by writing to the Minister to urge a full co-ordinated response from the Assembly Government.
“I have also has recently meet with sustainable transport charity Sustrans and other interested parties to explore the possibility of opening some of the old railway tunnels in the south Wales valleys to form part of a sustainable transport network.
Dr Gibbons said; “Due to our industrial heritage the south Wales valleys are littered with old railway tunnels that could be restored to provide a more comprehensive walking and cycling transport network throughout the valleys. In the Afan Valley, there are at least four or five tunnels whose potential could be usefully explored.
“Opening these tunnels would help to connect communities and in some instances provide a real genuine alternative to taking the car for certain journeys.
“Walking and cycling are also good forms of exercise and main people visit the valleys to enjoy the walking and cycling on offer. Anything that can add to that experience has to be a good thing.
If you have any thoughts on the above posting please feel free to contact Dr Gibbons via e mail at brian.gibbons@wales.gov.uk