PASSENGERS at Machynlleth train station could be left without access to the waiting room and toilets while waiting for late-evening services, it has been warned.

Gwynedd Council candidate Quentin Deakin said he had it on good authority that there are plans to shut the facilities in the evenings, despite services still operating through the station.

Machynlleth’s county councillor Michael Williams and Mr Deakin both insisted any such plans would have a major impact for passengers heading to Aberystwyth, as well as those travelling to stations in Gwynedd including Tywyn and Pwlhelli.

The waiting room and toilets will remain open during the day, Mr Deakin understands.

Cllr Williams, who has retained the Powys Council seat in Machynlleth after being returned unopposed in the upcoming election, said any closure of facilities would be the wrong decision.

He said: “If that was the case I think that would be a ridiculous decision. Toilets are a public service.

“The trains now are doing incredibly well with the increase in passenger numbers.

“Now is not the time to be cutting back, now is the time to be investing in the rail service, whether that is through increased carriages or better waiting facilities. It certainly shouldn’t be seeing facilities closed at any time of the day.”

David Crunkhorn, Machynlleth Station Manager, said: "There are no plans to amend our opening hours at Machynlleth station in regards to our toilets or waiting rooms.

"The station is staff from 4.15am to 9.15pm Monday to Saturday which has been the case for many years and this is set to continue.

"However, we are working with our partners in Network Rail to deliver the next phase of the access for all station project which will include permanent new toilets and a new shelter.

"Work is scheduled to begin in the summer and access to the toilets and shelters will not be affected by this and the opening hours will be the same during the work and once it is complete."See this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes edition for the full story, in shops and online now