John Prescott overruled farmers' concerns

Planning permission to re-open the line through the pass was given by Transport Secretary John Prescott on condition that the public was protected from rock falls.

A �200,000 repair scheme has now been carried out - but must now be approved in retrospect by the park authority.

The authority has already visited the site and will be asked to endorse the works at a meeting on Wednesday.

The second section of of the line from Caernarfon to Waunfawr opened last year.

But a series of delays involving Mr Prescott, High Court and a public inquiry meant the new track could only open three years after the first section was laid.

Objections

The Millennium Commission-funded project to build Britain's longest 'heritage railway' through the heart of the national park had also faced strong opposition from environmental groups and local farmers.

Environmentalists, farmers and ramblers objected to its passage through Snowdonia.

They said the �15m scheme would ruin one of the wildest parts of Britain and would mean the loss of a popular path.

The High Court ruled that the government was entitled to the view that the project would bring a much-needed boost to the local economy and was 'in the public interest'.

But its supporters argued that it would be a big boost for tourism in the area as a vivid reminder of the steam age.

The last trains ran on the track in 1937 and although they acknowledged that the re-opening may have taken a long time, operators said it should only be another four years until the line is completed to Porthmadog.