THE Conwy Valley railway line will not be re-opened until next week following a rock fall in a tunnel near Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The line was closed last week between Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog and buses have been providing a replacement service.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Fallen rocks were identified in Ffestiniog Tunnel on Sunday January 20 and we have closed a section of the Conwy Valley line while our engineers deliver essential repair work on the 140-year-old tunnel. We apologise to passengers for any disruption caused during the closure.

"We are working towards re-opening the line early next week. We understand the railway is a vital link for local people, however safety is a key priority, and we are working hard to get the line reopened as soon as it is safe to do so. Our structural engineers have been working hard to mechanically remove the loose rock which was around two metres high. Specialist machinery has been used to install bolting and netting to secure the wall.

“We are working closely with Transport for Wales Rail Services, to keep passengers moving during the closure of the line, and a rail replacement bus service is in operation until it re-opens. We advise passengers to check before they travel: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/"