County Councillor for Whitland and Henllanfallteg, Clr. Sue Allen recently provided an update for the community on exploring options for re-opening the former railway route from Whitland to Cardigan for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Clr. Allen recently met with Sustrans project staff and Clr. Dorian Phillips from the Llanboidy Ward at several sites in Carmarthenshire to look at the possibilities.

Sustrans is a charity that works in partnership to tackle the challenges of congestion, air pollution, physical inactivity, and social inequality, by making it easier for people to walk and cycle.

“We both agreed that re-opening parts of the Cardi Bach route to link rural communities safely is a long term strategic priority,” remarked Clr. Allen.

“We visited the train station, sites around Whitland and Henllanfallteg and walked parts of the route with owner permissions.

“Sustrans funded a feasibility study during the pandemic and have been making site visits to explore options for access to the route.”

The route from Cardigan to Cilgerran is already open and it is a long term project that will proceed incrementally with Sustrans and the three county councils Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, working together alongside landowners to mutually agree the best and safest routes.

“It has been a pleasure to be part of the Cymdeithas Cardi Bach since 2015 and we have had many enjoyable walks along the route and lovely teas at Login railway station,” she continued.

“Llanfallteg resident and huge train enthusiast Dave King, drafted the constitution and the exhibitions at Login and the Memorial Hall were enjoyed by many with an interest in trains and also the route between Whitland and Cardigan.

“This project will not be completed for decades, but we hope to make a start soon on the parts that can be easily achieved and are supported by landowners,” she added.