PLANS to resurrect a railway line to its former glory have been drawn up by the Amman Valley Railway Society.

The society are hoping to re-instate the former lines at Pantyffynon, Amman-ford, Glanaman, Garnant and Gwauncaegurwen so that the steam train can make a welcomed return to the Amman Valley.

Simon Shepherd, chairman of the Society, told the Guardian that they want to develop a historical centre to show people how rail travel has developed through the ages.

He said: "The Amman Valley Railway Society want to take over the running of the line so that we can develop a historical centre dedicated to rail travel.

"We want to restore each railway station to the way they used to look like in the early 1900's, so that we are celebrating our local heritage."

He added: "Already we have plans to run family days out on the steam trains but we also hope to develop a cafe and a gift shop to encourage tourism in the area."

Railtrack have already told the society that they can lease the line for up to 100 years, if certain conditions are met.

The society have to take full responsibility for the maintenance of the track and the personal safety of passengers and staff.

The English, Welsh and Scottish Railways, the company responsible for the movement of coal in and out of Celtic Energy Collieries, have stated that if the Tairgwaith open cast site re-opens, they will have to let the goods trains use the lines.

Simon Shepherd said: "The potential of this project, with the return of the steam trains together with the a passenger line, is immense.

"We want to major players in the tourist industry and I sincerely hope that we can achieve this aim."

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Garnant station in its heyday. Now there are plans to revive the line.