CLWYD South MP Simon Baynes has spoken of his hope for a way forward to found for Llangollen Railway.

The heritage railway announced this week that it had invited the bank to appoint a receiver as it "cannot legally continue to trade."

Its accounts show pre-tax losses of £330,601 in 2018, £329,175 in 2019 and £258,804 in 2020 (pre-audit).

Following the announcement, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: "I have developed a strong relationship with the Llangollen Railway since becoming the MP for Clwyd South and have held regular meetings and made several visits to different parts of their network.

"I am very sorry that they have had to invite their bank to appoint a receiver.

"I hope, however, that a way forward is found for the Llangollen Railway so that it can emerge from this crisis with a sustainable long term future and continue to provide great pleasure to the many thousands of visitors to Llangollen in the years to come.”

A statement released by Llangollen Railway PLC explained: "The Trust board will need to take steps to negotiate with the receiver to try to secure the line and preserve rolling stock and infrastructure to the extent possible.

"It is intended to recommence operations in due course but this is dependent upon legal and regulatory approvals, including licensing, all of which will clearly take time.

"The directors very much regret the impact this will have on our staff and employees, customers, suppliers, locomotive owners and their organisations, and anyone else with connections to the Railway.

"It is hoped to re-hire many of our staff and employees and that it will be possible to maintain connections with many longstanding friends."