Editor

Without doubt Wales has some of the finest preserved railways in the world, coupled with unbridled and unique scenery.

Therefore during these challenging times and as a need for unquestionably necessary support, you would think the Welsh Government would step up to the plate (pun not intended) and ensure a future for our heritage railways and thus the tourist industry.

But it was with great dismay to read in the December issue of the magazine Steam Railway that there was “disparity” in the level of grant aid given by the Welsh and English governments.

The general manager of the Talyllyn Railway, which received the maximum £150,000 permitted under the Welsh scheme, opined that the Welsh Government has been, quite frankly, useless. To be sure, how can it be deemed fair when the North Yorkshire Moors Railway was awarded a £1.94m grant from Westminster’s Culture Recovery Fund – the biggest single amount of government funding ever awarded to a preserved railway? It would be churlish not to wish NYMR good luck, but where on earth is the Welsh Government? Indeed, will Wales become the butt of international mockery and mirth with its pubs with no beer and custom checks at the border to stop the ‘import’ of cheaper alcohol from England?

Dave Haskell Brithdir Cardigan

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