Project to create a Community Cafe and hub at Cynheidre

The Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr railway (LMMR) are pleased to announce a new project to develop a unique Community Cafe and hub at its base at Cynheidre. The cafe will have a distinct 'railway' theme, utilising the bodyshell of a class 153 single car Diesel Multiple Unit!

The British rail class 153 Super Sprinters are single car units converted in the 1990's from British Leyland built two car class 155's. Our unit, 153 374, most recently worked for East Midlands trains before being acquired by Transport for Wales (TFW) and transferred to Chrysalis Rail at Landore for component recovery to support the 26 strong TFW Class 153 fleet. The LMMR would like to thank both TFW and Chrysalis Rail for making the bodyshell available for a new life at Cynheidre. It arrived at Cynheidre on Friday 6th January 2023.

Plans for the bodyshell include getting the interior professionally fitted out as a Community Cafe and meeting room for use as a hub both by the railway and the local community. Cynheidre is situated half way along the busy Llanelli to Cross Hands National Cycle Network path and the cafe is sure to prove popular with both walkers and cyclists. It will also provide enhanced facilities for the railways volunteers and visitors by providing much needed additional undercover accomodation and better catering options on open days.

The project has gained support from the local council, both in developing the scheme and helping to operate and staff the facility during its early months. The LMMR is very appreciative of this support.

Please check the website at www.llanellirailway.co.uk or social media regularly for details of all future events at the railway.

The railway is a charity run totally by volunteers. It is hoping to grow into a major tourist attraction for the Llanelli district and in order to reach our goals we need more volunteer help in all departments including operational, maintenance and restoration, and administration. If you could spare a few hours for what is a most enjoyable pastime and worthwhile cause do not hesitate to get in touch. For more information or to volunteer please visit our website at https://www.llanellirailway.co.uk or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/llanellirailway