Trains roll into Llanelli Goods Shed after long absence

TRAINS rolled into the Llanelli Goods Shed once more thanks to a donation of two pacer trains from Transport for Wales.

The decommissioned trains may have been destined for the scrapheap but now they will form part of the plans for the total redevelopment of what had become a bit of an eye sore in the Station area of Llanelli.

The Llanelli Goods Shed Trust has secured funding to redevelop the yard and buildings, which will offer office space and more for local people.

Nia Griffith MP said that the development was a welcome addition to the area, which is one of the poorest wards in Carmarthenshire.

The trains arrived on a low loader and it took some time to skilfully remove the trains onto some newly laid track courtesy of Network Rail.

Volunteers from Llanelli and Mynyddmawr Railway were on hand to ensure the operation went smoothly and eventually driving the train alongside the platform.

Mark Thomas who drove the train said that this was a great way to use the trains and that he had also received delivery of trains at Cynheidre. He said: “We will be opening to the public on Saturday and people will be able to see the new additions. We hope to convert one into a shop and cafe.”

Watching over proceedings on Friday (Jun 25) were Nia Griffith MP, George Parker MBE, Richard Roper, Martin Doe, Paul Barrett and Mark Hopkins from TRJ.

George Parker said that the project was an asset for the area and that he was looking forward to seeing the trains forming part of the bigger picture for the Goods Shed.

Mark Hopkins of TRJ said that working on the Goods Shed was a unique experience for TRJ but one which he was enjoying very much.

Richard Roper the secretary of the Trust said that a lot of work had gone into securing funding and that he was looking forward to the completion of the first phase. He said: “It is all coming together after years of waiting and a lot of work behind the scenes by members of the trust.”

In May 2017 Michael Portillo visited the Goods Shed as part of the BBC series ‘Great British Railway Journeys’. Mr Portillo said that he would welcome another visit to the Goods Shed to catch up on the progress.

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Photos and videos: Elkanah Evans