Why station on beautiful North Wales rail route will change name back after 50 years
A station on a beautiful North Wales rail route to set to return to a name it last used 50 years ago. Despite its relatively small size the market town of Llanrwst has two train stations.
Its original one is situated towards the north of the town and was opened in 1863 as part of the Conway and Llanrwst Railway. Being the only stop in town it was named Llanrwst Railway Station.
This station was renamed Llanrwst and Trefriw in April 1884 following the formal opening of the Gower pedestrian road to Trefriw in May 1881. But was back to Llanrwst in 1974 under British Rail.
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Then, after the opening of a new more central station (Llanrwst) in 1989, it became Llanrwst North, and later North Llanrwst (hope everyone is still keeping up).
Now though, following a campaign the name will become North Llanrwst and Trefriw. Senedd member for Aberconwy Janet Finch-Saunders announced the news.
The change was wanted to show that the station is an ideal place to get off the train to travel on to Trefriw by foot or bike - with the hope it will attract more visitors on public transport.
Mrs Finch-Saunders said: "Following a collaborative effort between Trefriw Community Council and the local community, I am proud to announce that Transport for Wales will fully fund the redesign and renaming of Llanrwst North Train Station signage. This decision comes after months of productive campaigning by the Community Council and residents who expressed the need for updated, more representative station branding.
"As part of this exciting partnership, the train station will soon feature new signage that reflects the town's rich history and its future aspirations, creating a welcoming gateway for both locals and visitors. The renaming effort also emphasize the station’s unique identity and its pivotal role in the surrounding region for both Llanrwst and Trefriw.
"Transport for Wales commitment to supporting the local area goes beyond providing transport. By funding this project, they are investing in the heritage and future of Llanrwst and Trefriw, ensuring the station becomes a true reflection of the vibrant community it serves."
She added: "This is a victory for the people of Trefriw, Llanrwst and Trefriw Community Council, who have worked tirelessly to see their vision become a reality. We are grateful to Transport for Wales for listening to their voices and for its generous support. Together, we are creating a lasting legacy that will inspire pride in our community for years to come.
“I hope that that the return of the station to its historic name will result in more visitors travelling to the area by public transport. At present, many tourists do not realise that Trefriw is easily accessible, in good weather, from the train station."
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