On Tuesday morning (19th April), Joel James MS joined the Rhondda Tunnel Society and TV Presenter Martin Roberts for a meeting with the Secretary of State for Wales – David TC Davies.
The meeting took place at Gwydyr House, the London Headquarters of the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales and marked a real milestone for the Rhondda Tunnel Society and the development of their campaign.
All participants actively engaged in a constructive meeting which informed David TC Davies of the project and highlighted the benefits it would bring not just to the Rhondda Valleys, but to Wales as a whole. During the meeting, Mr Roberts gave a brief presentation about the Rhondda Tunnel, outlining their business plan including up-to-date costings, plans for maintenance and their intention to attract large-scale sporting events such as cycling competitions and marathons.
One of the key messages Joel conveyed to the Welsh Secretary is how re-opening the Rhondda Tunnel provides a brilliant opportunity to increase connectivity between Blaencwm and Blaengwynfi, boosting economic prosperity in one of the most deprived areas of Wales.
Following the meeting, Joel said:
“I was incredibly pleased to have organised such an important meeting today which installs a real sense of progress for this campaign. I am grateful to David TC Davies for agreeing to meet with Tony, Stephen, Martin, and me today and I am hopeful for some positive news soon.
Martin described the Tunnel as a ‘secret tomb’ today and that is the most accurate description of this project possible. If we can re-open the Tunnel, the Rhondda Valleys would have such a unique selling point, placing themselves on the map.”
If you would like to know more about the Rhondda Tunnel Society and their campaign, please visit their website.
