AN MS has stepped up calls for improved rail services between the Conwy Valley and the coast of North Wales.

Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, raised the issues around the lack of regular services between the two areas with First Minister Mark Drakeford during a debate in the Senedd on Wednesday.

The concerns include evening services between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and a direct rail service introduced between Manchester Airport and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said some constituents face the dilemma of paying costly taxi fees as the last train leaves at 4.07pm and the last bus at 6.34pm.

Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders said improved Conwy Valley services should be included in the Welsh Governments North Wales Metro plans. Picture: Welsh Government

Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders said improved Conwy Valley services should be included in the Welsh Government's North Wales Metro plans. Picture: Welsh Government

In suggesting late rail services as a solution, Mrs Finch-Saunders also raised concerns that tourists will drive themselves to Snowdonia National Park.

The MS also said the Conwy Valley should be included in the North Wales Metro Programme, which is expected to invest £1billion in the region in the decades ahead, though concerns have been raised over the speed at which the programme will be implemented.

“In a climate crisis, I am clear that we need to be empowering residents to use public transport," said Mrs Finch-Saunders. Whilst we have seen some progress in reaching rural communities through the Conwy Valley Fflecsi bus service, the reality remains that communities in the Conwy Valley are cut off from the coast at night.

“I was most pleased to receive confirmation the Minister for North Wales will now collaborate with Transport for Wales to review the possibility of evening services between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

“I now hope that this positive step forward will give a future green light to the Welsh Government introducing the necessary amendments to the North Wales Metro Programme so to include a direct rail service between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Manchester which would further support an increase in visitation to the area by public transport.”