Aberavon AM Welcomes Blaengwynfi tunnel Funding

Aberavon’s AM, Mr David Rees, has expressed his delight at the decision from Welsh Assembly Minister Edwina Hart to fund a feasibility study into the reopening of the Blaengwynfi to Blaencwm tunnel.

The study will directly support the Rhondda Tunnel Society’s aspiration for the Blaenrhondda Tunnel and help them develop a business case together with identifying potential funding sources for this project in the context of considerations such as existing and potential active travel routes and tourism potential. The Minister has indicated that she anticipates the procurement process to proceed at pace and the feasibility project to be completed in October. The contractors will work closely with the Society to ensure the project helps meet their requirements.

David Rees AM said,

“I welcome the decision of the Minister to provide this funding for a feasibility study into the future of the tunnel. It’s exciting to think of the tourism and investment opportunities in the Upper Afan Valley that could be both created and enhanced if the tunnel re-opens. I have supported the Rhondda Tunnel Society’s vision for the tunnel and am pleased that their hard work and dedication has been recognised and rewarded.

We must now ensure that this study fully investigates the possibilities that the tunnel can provide to the communities in both the Afan Valley and the Rhondda. I very much look forward to the outcomes published in the Autumn.”

***ENDS***

　***For further information please contact Angharad Thomas

on 0300 200 7128 or [email protected]　 ***