A public meeting is to be held to discuss the future of a vital north Wales rail link after it was revealed storm damage will close the line until at least the summer.

Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts has called on Network Rail to convene a public meeting in Blaenau Ffestiniog amidst concerns that recurrent damage to the rail link between the town and Llandudno is having a detrimental impact on local constituents.

Mrs Saville Roberts’ request comes as Network Rail confirmed the Conwy Valley Line will remain closed for the ‘foreseeable future’ following extensive damage caused by Storm Gareth.

The line has been affected by many closures in recent years. The most significant was flooding on Boxing Day 2015, which led to a 10-week closure of the line.

Mrs Saville Roberts has asked Network Rail to confirm whether the section between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llanrwst will be open by August, in time for the National Eisteddfod, as plans were in place to use the line as part of a park and ride scheme, operating from Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Mrs Saville Roberts said: “The Conwy Valley Line serves as an important commuter and tourism link between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno, connecting people with the north Wales mainline and it is a lifeline for people in the town.

“The line has suffered persistent and considerable damage in recent years because of several devastating flood events in the Conwy Valley, leading to the line being closed for long periods at a time, inhibiting its use by local people and disrupting regular travel arrangements.

“I understand from Network Rail that emergency repairs are already being carried out and a work program is being put together to restore the line as quickly and as safely as possible for passengers.

“Whilst I welcome Network Rail’s expectation that part of the line (Llandudno – Llanrwst) will reopen this summer, I would press upon them the importance of re-establishing the connection between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llanrwst, not least because of the National Eisteddfod.

“I understand that plans have already been drawn up to utilise the line as part of a park and ride scheme to transfer visitors to and from the National Eisteddfod. Now those plans are under threat.

“In light of these concerns I would encourage Network Rail to further engage with local stakeholders in Blaenau Ffestiniog and convene a community meeting to reassure residents and businesses that all is being done to restore local services as soon as possible.”

Sam Hadley, senior public affairs manager, said: “We know the Conwy Valley Line is a vital rail link: connecting people and communities between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno and supporting tourism and the local economy. We will be hosting a community engagement event in Blaenau Ffestiniog and we appreciate the ongoing support of Liz Saville Roberts MP, other local stakeholders, and residents in the Conwy Valley as we continue our work to restore the line.”