Ffestiniog agree to a settlement which allows
extension to Pont Croesor and beyond.
"Matters have moved on apace on the question of the trackbed. Such is the case when the devil drives. The Public Inquiry into the Ffestiniog's Transport and Works Act application has been set for a start on the 8th December, 1997. This has obviously concentrated minds and the F.R. has indicated that it is willing to enter into a formal agreement allowing the withdrawal of our technical objections to that order. The broad principles that the agreement will cover form the subject of the motion for the Extraordinary General Meeting.
"Discussions have taken place with the F.R. and are continuing. More details of a draft agreement will be made available at the meeting, but it is obviously important that the membership give their approval (or otherwise) to the motion, if the matter is to be concluded and the necessary paperwork lodged with the Inquiry Office in time.
"The Board is recommending the principles to the membership as it is believed that it represents the best deal that we are ever likely to get. It also probably represents the best chance for the railway to be built, if all who actually want to see the line are fighting the same corner. It has to be said that opposition to the line is building up and it would not be a good thing for our future if the application were to fail. The compulsory powers contained in it will be needed to overcome farmers' objections in the section to Pont Croesor, as well the northern section from Dinas. You will note that the points contain the right for our Company to extend to Pont Croesor, which is what we have been so desperately anxious to do for so long.
"Of course there will always be matters which we would like to see improved upon, but there comes a time when you have to grab the moment. That is what we are asking the membership to do. I hope you will feel able to support the Board with your vote on this most important matter."
Alisdair McNicol,
Chairman.
September, 1997.