A TOWN council has offered to do 'all it can' by way of support following news that Llangollen Railway invited the bank to appoint a receiver.

The heritage railway made the announcement earlier this week, stating 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).

Llangollen Town Council said members were saddened to hear of the situation.

The potential loss of such a valued company and a railway which has been restored and run by the endeavours of so many volunteers would be tragic, the council said.

For years the railway, as well as being a treasured tourism attraction, has provided valuable employment through its engineering works and the has also had a positive effect on the careers of local youngsters who have benefited from their apprenticeship scheme.

The council itself has limited funds to be able to offer any direct assistance but has said it will do whatever it can to ensure prosperity of the railway in the future and wishes the new Board of Directors well in their endeavours to secure a future for the railway.

The town mayor, Councillor Austin Cheminais, said: “Llangollen’s Heritage Railway has been 45 Years in the making and is a major tourist attraction and great asset to the town.

"Its loss would be a major blow to all of those employed by the railway and also to the wider local economy.

"As a council we will do all we can to support the Trustees and Board as they find a way forward.”