THE severe impact of Covid-19 on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (Ff&WHR) could lead to redundancies among its staff and impact other tourism-related businesses.
The Ff&WHR is one of North Wales'leading tourist attractions, and normally turns over nearly £6million per year.
However, this year the railway is predicting income of around £1 m because of lockdown and subsequent pandemic restrictions, with trains running with reduced capacity over only part of the line. Normally, the railway and its visitors help the local economy to the tune of £25m annually.
To help it through the crisis, members have donated more than £500,000, and grants have been provided by the National Lottery Heritage Emergency Fund and the Welsh Government.
However, the Ff&WHR has warned staff of possible redundancies when services cease in November, even though Boston Lodge Works has secured external contract work.