Joel James MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central today supported the Rhondda Tunnel Society’s campaign to reopen the old Rhondda railway tunnel between Blaencwm and Blaengwynfi.
The society hopes to create Europe’s longest indoor cycle path, as well as create a tourism and community hub which will undoubtedly help attract visitors to the area.
Mr James stated that the project “has the potential to be a major tourist attraction for the Valleys, and bring in vital jobs to the area.”
As a member of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, the Senedd Member shared how passionately he believed in the project and highlighted how he met with the Secretary of State for Wales and has been in correspondence with the UK Transport Secretary, to discuss passing ownership of the tunnel on to a Government body, local or otherwise.
Joel James also stated that the UK Government has offered this tunnel to the Welsh Government in the past, but this has been refused.
Commenting outside the Chamber, Joel said:
As a Member of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, it was brilliant to raise their campaign to reopen the old Rhondda railway tunnel between Blaencwm and Blaengwynfi in the Welsh Parliament.
Frustratingly, the delay in passing ownership of the tunnel is putting a hold on the society's ambitions and the Welsh Government doesn't seem willing enough to work with the UK Government to support this brilliant tourism opportunity in the Valleys.
To watch Joel’s full contribution and the Minister's response, please click here.
