A Meirionnydd tourist attraction has thanked its staff and volunteers who are no longer able to work there during the coronavirus crisis.

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway released a statement thanking them, and updating visitors on the latest situation.

A spokesperson for the railway said: “Last week the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways closed public train operations and immediately closed all cafés and bars when guided to do so by UK Government.

“Some 40 seasonal staff expecting to start work this week will not now be able to do so. Most of the permanent staff have been sent home under furlough arrangements.

“FFWHR would like to go on record as thanking those volunteers, which number in their hundreds, all of whom without exception, respected the guidance not to travel for the traditional spring working party last weekend. There will be no further volunteer on the railway until government restrictions are lifted.

“With further developments (on 23 March) engineering staff are making safe and closing railway worksites before being asked to stay at home. Care is being taken not to leave scaffolding or open workings. This will take several days to complete and is being carried out by a limited number of staff.”

They added that some essential staff will remain in their positions.

“The railway will go forward with a limited number of essential staff at workshop sites and offices. Work to ensure security, key maintenance inspections and payments to staff and suppliers will continue.

“Residents are reminded that trains could be present at any time on Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway tracks it is very dangerous indeed to use them as walking routes for exercise purposes.”

General manager of the FFWHR Paul Lewin said: “These are immensely testing times and it has been difficult to keep up with the rapid changes and advice.

“We will be making every effort to look after our staff and to secure the survival of our business. Both our MP and AM have already offered their support for which we are most grateful.”