Ground clearance work completed last week has brought the restoration of the Glyn Valley Tramway a step nearer.

Deeside-based contractors Anwyl began clearance work of the original GVT track bed on Monday morning.

The firm donated their manpower and equipment for five days to complete the work between Chirk Station to Levers Bridge which lies at the western end of the Ty Ririd cutting - a distance of around 700 metres.

North Wales Assembly Member, Mark Isherwood, visited the site and praised the progress made by the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust to restore the line to its former glory.

He said: “Reinstating the railway will be a major boost to tourism in Chirk and the surrounding area.

“I have worked with the Trust for a number of years as they have strived to turn their dream of steam trains running here once again into a reality and I would like to congratulate them on all they have achieved to date.

“I look forward to visiting in the future to see further progress.”

With this work now complete, the Trust’s board will attempt to raise the estimated £300,000 required to ballast and lay rail for this first section of the line.

Known as ‘Phase One A’, it forms the initial stage of restoration for the tramway which will operate from Chirk to Pont Faen on the B4500.

The Board have targeted the autumn of 2017 as the first date for the return to steam at Chirk.

Further clearance work between Levers bridge and Pont Faen will commence this winter, with the systematic clearance of already identified trees.

Anyone wishing to help, either by becoming a member or by purchasing a panel of track, available at £250, should contact Trust secretary, David Cooper; email: david.pentregarth@outlook.com or write to David at: Pentre Garth, Llwynmawr, Wrexham LL20 7BG.