Natasha Asghar, Member of the Senedd for South Wales East and Shadow Transport Minister, joined the Rhondda Tunnel Society for a trip 1000ft underground to look at one of the Valley’s most significant historical landmarks.
The Rhondda Tunnel: a disused railway tunnel currently owned by the Department for Transport over in Westminster and managed by Highways England - cannot be re-opened for public use unless ownership is transferred to another suitable body. Yet, there is a plan to potentially change this.
This is where the society comes in…
The Rhondda Tunnel Society’s vision is to turn this vital piece of historic Welsh infrastructure into Europe’s longest walking / cycling tunnel.
Not only would the project create a one-of-a-kind active travel route, but it would inject investment into the local area – boosting the economy and tourism industry, whilst also connecting the communities of Blaencwm in the Rhondda Valleys and Blaengwynfi in the Afan Valleys.
Commenting on her visit to the site, Natasha Asghar MS said:
“The Rhondda Tunnel Society have created a fantastic campaign, and I am so grateful for their knowledge and insight on my visit this week.
They 100% have my support and I have no doubt that this project – if completed – would connect communities, boost tourism and create a one-of-a-kind active travel route.
A huge thank you to the team for showing me this fantastic initiative which perfectly combines heritage and innovation, and I will certainly be taking this forward in the Senedd to push Welsh Government to get the ball rolling with the project.”
