Editor

The news about Barmouth bridge is excellent. I was a member of the British Rail board in October 1980 when engineers declared the bridge supports so undermined by toredo beetle as to be beyond repair. There was a tremendous battle within BR, essentially of engineers against local operators. For a while, permanent line closure seemed inevitable and the line to Pwllheli was closed for five years.

The battle for restoration was eventually won. The bridge was repaired and later listed Grade 2*. The swing span was even restored and tested - though no longer needed. That repair should now be thought natural and closure unthinkable illustrates the robustness of Welsh railways in the 21st century. The task now is to get steam engines back on the line.

Simon Jenkins

Penhelig

Aberdyfi