The initial phase will be intended for the preparation of paperwork required in order to satisfy any regulatory requirements for obtaining permission to return to the line. This will include the development of training courses and materials, the line rule book, any policies and procedures, health and safety documentation and any other relevant paperwork and forms that are necessary.
It is also the intention for the Phase 1 to be used to research, fund and create Interpretation boards to help show what used to exist in the area and to help bring the history of the line to the forefront of the public mind. The example to the left is a 500mm by 500mm which costs £525 plus VAT and Delivery (source: www.interpretationpanels.co.uk). These can be used in conjunction with QR codes on each individual panel allowing readers to access further information online as well as pointing them towards our website in the hope of encouraging them to become members or to contribute to the project.
It is suggested that these be installed at Trawsfynydd Lake, Llan Ffestiniog, Manod, Maentwrog Road and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Smaller versions could also be installed at other significant points along the line and indeed at important areas outside the mothballed section of the line to increase awareness.
Phase 1 costs will also cover any legal fees required for signing any agreement with Network Rail and other stakeholders such as the Snowdonia National Parks Authority, Natural Resources Wales, local councils etc. Due to the extensive nature of talks that will be required it is envisaged that the individuals handling the talks on behalf of the committee will see reasonable out of pocket expenses covered for the duration of the talks.
In order to prepare ourselves for working with Network Rail and being able to start work as soon as permission to access the line is obtained we will be starting PTS training early in the process. A training programme is currently being prepared and the intention is to ensure it is approved by Network Rail for use on the heritage sections of the line.