THE wheels are in motion to restore part of a historic tramline.

A planning application has been submitted to Wrexham Council to restore a section of the original Glyn Valley Tramway (GVT).

It is hoped the scheme could bring a valuable economic boost to the tourism industry in Chirk.

The application relates to a section of the line which runs from Chirk over to Chirk Fishery on the B4500, amounting to about 1.2 miles.

David Cooper, chairman of the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust, said this was the first phase of the project.

He said: “On that kind of timescale, the tramway could be open to the public in 2012.

“It would have to run for a minimum of two years before we could attempt to move on and look to carry out restoration for another section.”

Ultimately there could be around six phases all together and the project is likely to last up to 20 years.

Mr Cooper added: “We are absolutely delighted that the application for phase one has gone in. To reach this point has taken more than two years. It has meant a great deal of work.”

“The restoration of the GVT will give added impetus to the tourist industry of Chirk, helping to drive forward the new economy that will come through the growth and interlinking of Chirk Castle, the Crogan battlefield site, the Glyn Valley Tramway and the World Heritage Site of the Llangollen Canal with which, historically, the original GVT had many links and associations.”

If the plan is approved, work could start on the scheme at the beginning of the New Year.