Madam,

We noted with interest your article of 9 November on Tywyn Town Council taking back control of the Neptune Road car park. Unfortunately, it does not seem that the full extent of the Talyllyn Railway’s offer to the council was represented within the piece. We are very disappointed not to be granted a new lease on the car park, a facility we have enjoyed the use of since the late 1970s. Our proposal was to continue with the regular annual payments, but in addition the railway had also offered to resurface the car park completely at its own expense, at an estimated cost of some £55,000. This would of course not only benefit all users of the car park, but also tidy up the area which many residents consider has become an eyesore. The resurfacing was work we have wished to do for some years but have not been able to carry out without a formal lease being in place. We have been trying to agree a lease for the last 10 years, without success, and at not inconsiderable legal cost. We welcome the council’s position that any profits from the car park will be used for the local community, particularly young people. We have a strong commitment to the area with over 500 of our society’s members being full-time residents in the locality and ourselves employing over 20 local people. We were pleased to note that the council will not be adversely changing the current car-parking fees, although have voiced our concerns about the possible charges for our staff and volunteers who currently enjoy free parking.

Many of our passengers come to the area specifically to visit the railway and stay in local accommodation, bringing money in the area. Many of our volunteers do the same, often visiting for extended periods during the operating season. Recent research suggests that in this way the Talyllyn Railway contributes over £2m to the local economy every year. Hopefully this gives a clearer picture of the offer that was on the table to the council and, as we stated previously, we are very open to further discussions if the council should wish to re-consider the matter.

Yours etc,

Stuart Williams, General manager, Talyllyn Railway Company, Wharf Station, Tywyn.

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