THE chairman of the Bala Lake Railway Trust has announced that a fundraising target for the railway extension project has been “absolutely smashed”.

The railway set a target to raise £50,000 in February to reach the reduced total, made possible by work being carried out by Natural Resources Wales.

Now that the month has passed, chairman Julian Birley has announced that £75,000 was raised.

Julian said: “Natural Resources Wales, who are about to embark on a £6.5 million scheme to upgrade the flood defences of the town, have been very supportive of the railway’s plans from the start, and agreed to incorporate part of the railway’s route into this larger project.

“In return the railway agreed to pay the additional cost of the strengthened earthworks for the 360m of the line that will run along the defences on the lake’s north shore.

“Due to the economies of scale, Natural Resources Wales were able to keep the cost of the railway’s contribution down to £277,000 providing we were able to commit to them by the end of February 2021.

“To miss this opportunity would have put the whole project in jeopardy and sent costs spiralling into the millions.”

The Bala Lake Railway Trust has been raising funds for some time. However, by the end of January, were still short of the February target.

Julian added: “That month has now passed and I can announce that people have supported us and not only has that target been met but it has absolutely smashed. We have raised £75,000.

“This is beyond our wildest expectations. We have been bowled over by how wonderful people have been. We have had support not only from the town of Bala, but from all over Wales.

“This support has extended throughout the entire UK and on as far away as France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.

“The Bala Lake Railway Trust, all the staff and volunteers of the railway, the businesses and residents of the town of Bala would like to express their heartfelt thanks to each and every person who has supported us and donated.

“There is still some way to go and fund raising will continue apace to fund other facets like final land purchases, and the building of the engine shed, station building and signalling required for completing the extension.

“Once we are allowed to travel please bring your friends and families to see us. I would be very pleased to show you how important your help has been.”