Steam train could return to town

A steam train on the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway

A popular narrow gauge steam railway could return to a Powys town centre for the first time in nearly 50 years under plans to boost tourism.

The light railway runs between Llanfair Caereinion and the outskirts of Welshpool, but proposals are to extend the track into the town itself.

Welshpool Town Council said a feasibility study would be carried out into the plans.

The railway's town centre service stopped in 1961.

Meanwhile, the line's operators, Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, said it had agreed to co-operate with the study.

Town council clerk Robert Robinson said the town centre service could boost tourism in Welshpool.

"The town council launched a future of Welshpool plan last year and this was one of the suggestions people in Welshpool came up with," said Mr Robinson.

"The town council has since expressed an interest in extending the light railway line and a feasibility study is to be carried out

"The light railway has agreed to co-operate with the study."

The light railway, which runs the eight miles between Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion, is popular with tourists.

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