ONE of Mid Wales’ best loved tourist attractions is set to benefit from a cash boost of tens of thousand of pounds to improve the experience visitors have in the area.

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway will be right on track to provide electric charge points for vehicles thanks to Welsh Government funding worth £89,000.

Two new electric vehicle charging points will be made available for visitors at the Llanfair Caereinion terminus, which is almost exactly halfway between mid Shropshire and the Welsh coast.

With the number of new electric and hybrid car registrations in Wales having increased by 35% in 2017, the mid Wales heritage line will provide recharging facilities as part of the growing use of environmentally-friendly electric vehicles.

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The funding will also improve Sylfaen Halt, a popular spot for motorists to watch the trains pass, which will see an improved passenger shelter, information boards and the installation of a new track loop allowing trains to pass each other.

The railway will also use the grant to reinstate a siding and reconstruct a cattle dock at Cyfronydd Station.

Charles Spencer, manager of Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, said: “Our mandate as a charity is to preserve and to operate our 116-year-old railway as a demonstration of how it supported the local agricultural community which opened it in 1903.

“The volunteers who will be working on all these projects and contributing some of their own funds are very excited about the benefits the Tourism Amenity Investment Support grant will bring, as we welcome more visitors each year.”

Lord Elis-Thomas, deputy minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “This scheme is an excellent way for us to assist the tourism sector to make the improvements to local facilities and amenities, and I’ve seen the improvements made in many areas with the help of this funding over the past year.

“Facilities such as footpaths toilets, signage, car parking are often only noticed when the provision is lacking or not up to scratch – which shows that they are an important part of the experience that people have of Wales.

“This is also an investment by the public sector in amenities for those who live in the area and will benefit locals and visitors alike.

“These projects also make it easier for local residents and visitors to become more active in Wales’ natural environment.”