Madam,

I was interested to note the letter from Jill Baxter in the Cambrian News last week (‘Train firm has total disregard for human need and comfort’).

Your readers might be interested to hear that I have been in communication with Arriva Trains Wales on this same subject. I was gratified to receive a telephone call from Arriva at Cardiff, telling me that they are investigating making some minor timing changes to ensure that the 8.30pm train from Shrewsbury (which has good connections from Birmingham, and Manchester, etc) connects at Machynlleth with what is at present the 9.43pm to Pwllheli, by re-timing it five minutes later.

It will not be significantly later further up the coast. It is intended that, unless they find unexpected problems, this change will take place with effect from the May timetable change.

I consider that, as this gives an hour’s later service from the outside world to the whole of the coastline, we should be very grateful to Arriva Trains management, and with no draughty lengthy wait at Machynlleth. Let’s hope it actually happens!

Yours etc

John Smallwood

Tywyn.