A MUCH-loved railway crane in Denbighshire is set to be restored to its former glory.

For many years, residents have been concerned about the condition of the crane based at Ruthin Craft Centre.

Now Ruthin and District Civic Association have partnered with the centre to put together a project to conserve and repair the crane.

A successful application was submitted to the 15-Minute Heritage programme, which is funded by Cadw – the Welsh Government’s Welsh Government's historic environment service and delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The work has also been sponsored by local Ruthin based company Jones Bros.

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The repair work will involve welding and painting work to the crane to conserve it for the future, as well as work to its base.

It is believed that the Crane was used for decades to load and unload coal at Ruthin railway station which was located on the site of Briec roundabout and Ruthin Craft Centre until the 1960's.

It was a stop on the Vale of Clwyd line which ran from Rhyl to Corwen.

The station and line were closed as part of the railway closures following the Beeching Report.

The Crane was put in storage by its owner, Denbighshire County Council, but then placed in its current condition when the Craft Centre was first built in 1982.

The line originally ran North to South through the town under Well Street, past railway Terrace, and then through what is now the industrial estate towards Denbigh.

Jones Bros were involved in clearing the site after the railway station and yard had been vacated.

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Jones Bros chairman Huw Jones MBE said: “We are pleased to be involved in conserving Ruthin’s railway heritage, particularly after Jones Bros was involved in clearing the site more than 50 years ago.

"It’s especially gratifying to be able to help restore the crane, as it was the only area that was left untouched at the time.”

The project has received funding from the 15-Minute Heritage programme as well as from Ruthin Town Council and Denbighshire Leisure Ltd who operate Ruthin Craft Centre.

"To see the Crane getting restored in 2022 is very timely since it is exactly 60 years since the last passenger train passed through Ruthin on the 30th of April 1962," said Ruthin Craft Centre Director Philip Hughes.

"We are extremely glad to be working with the Town’s Civic Association and Jones Bros on this project."

The work will be carried out in Spring/Summer 2022. Anyone wishing to join can contact Ruthin and District Civic Association by email: ruthincivic@btinternet.com