Blaenavon Oympic Torch train off due to 'security fears'

A park and ride service operating from the heritage railway’s main station at Furnace Sidings to the new station at Big Pit was due to take place this Friday, to enable people to enjoy the torch passing through Blaenavon.

But now the railway has been told this service will not be able to operate because Big Pit will be closed to the general public, except to those who have already been screened and issued with passes.

Alistair Grieve, of The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, said: “This has been decided by LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games) and the police and so is out of the hands of both Big Pit and the railway.

“We had hoped to mark this once-in-a-lifetime occasion with something special and enable local people to see the torch close up, but unfortunately, we are unable to do so.”

Traffic and events manager for Blaenavon Heritage Railway Alex Hinshelwood said: “When we heard the area would be closed to traffic, we thought we’d run trains.

“But we have been told Big Pit will be closed on the day because it will act as a rendezvous point for all the torchbearers, and also because of security.

“There seems to be a big issue about security. Police have been crawling around Big Pit for two weeks now.

“It’s mental. I’m not sure what they think is going to happen in Blaenavon. I guess it’s just policy. It’s very unfortunate we won’t be able to run the service, as everyone was ready to go.

“I don’t want to have a moan as there is nothing we can do. It’s a pity, but still a great thing that the torch is coming to Blaenavon.

“Maybe if we had been more clued up, we could have got involved in the planning sooner.”

Gwent Police said they had no input into the decision.

The Argus contacted LOCOG for comment, but had received no reply as we went to press last night.

See the full Olympic Torch route in Gwent