Ebbw Vale cableway saved after Blaenau Gwent Council finds 'alternative funding'
The cableway was due to close on 28 April but the council says it will now remain open and be protected during "the current funding crisis".
Thursday 27 April 2023 10:17, UK
A vital cableway in the South Wales valleys has been saved from closure - days before it was due to stop operating.
The Ebbw Vale cableway was due to close on 28 April, but Blaenau Gwent County and Borough Council now says it will remain open after "alternative funding" was identified.
Its closure was part of a council drive to plug a £6.6m funding shortfall but the new funding will protect it from "frontline budget pressures".
It will cost £41,000 per year to keep the cableway open and the council has confirmed that no other services will be cut.
Council leader Steve Thomas said the council faces an "extremely challenging financial situation".
"Councillors from both political groups in Blaenau Gwent have been eager to see the link saved, as it was always a difficult decision to mothball the facility," he said.
"But, as we have explained previously, we are facing an extremely challenging financial situation which has meant tough choices about services.
"We have heard from many people who use the cableway to access education, work, leisure, and local amenities, especially those with mobility problems and vulnerabilities. Their feedback has been uppermost as we worked towards this positive solution."
One of those who had been campaigning for the cableway to remain open was local resident Liz Sullivan.
"When I found they were going to close it, I was absolutely horrified," she told Sky News.
Ms Sullivan started collecting signatures for a petition as she said there was a "need" for the service in the community.
When she discovered the cableway would remain open, Ms Sullivan "didn't believe it" at first.
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"I didn't believe it. Let's wait and see because I'm really suspicious," she said.
"Lots of people when you said they found the money, they were incredulous."