Letter: Snowdonia railway

ANDREW GORDON makes a plea (letter, 29 April) for railways as a means of access to national parks. He may not be familiar with the detail of the Snowdonia proposal.

The National Park and local authorities have a traffic study under way and we should not be surprised if restrictions are suggested for private cars. The proposed railway can only make economic sense, however, with a vast increase in visitor numbers. Future transport demand (excluding railway enthusiasts) can be cheaply met by an improved bus service.

In addition to the concerns of farmers and traders mentioned in your report of 27 April, significant sections of the derelict trackbed have been used for many years as walking routes, by visitors and locals alike. Although suitable diverted routes are possible in some places, in others there is no alternative. Near the Snowdon Ranger youth hostel, for instance, the only real option will be a twisting and dangerous main road.

PETE BLAND

Vice-chairman, Ramblers' Association, North Wales Area

Chester