New N.Wales rail station may be built – but three others ditched
PLANS for one new North Wales train station are steaming ahead but three other potential sites have now been dropped.
Two years ago a list of 12 potential new Welsh stations was revealed – with four of them in North Wales.
These were Llangefni, Wrexham North, Wrexham South and Deeside Industrial Park/ Northern Gateway.
But now that shortlist has been cut back, with Deeside the only site in the region to make the cut.
Carno in Powys is also on the list alongside Ely Mill/Victoria Park in Cardiff and St Clears in Carmarthenshire.
The assessment by Network Rail gives details of how each potential station fared when assessed under a number of criteria. Deeside Industrial Park/Northern Gateway: This station would give improved rail access to serve Deeside and remove traffic from congested roads. It would be served by Wrexham to Bidston services.
Carno: Carno is between Caersws and Machynlleth on the Cambrian Line. Benefits listed include it serving the local village and closes the geographical gap on the Cambrian Main Line. There is also good road access from the A470. It would be served by existing Cambrian services.
Carno station closed in the 1960s and people have been campaigning for a station to be reopened since 2002.
The list has been drawn up by the Welsh Government but any final decision on railway infrastructure investment lies with the UK Government.
Transport chiefs look at the financial and economic case for a new station and advice from Network Rail on deliverability.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The stations that scored the highest in the assessment will now be taken forward.
“The proposals for the remaining stations will be considered when additional resources become available.
“However, there are other initiatives being taken forward that will investigate opportunities to open other new stations.”
This month a conference will take place to discuss this and other transport proposals. The Next Steps for Transport Sustainability is on Friday, September 20, 8-10.30am at Mostyn Theatre, Deeside Sixth, Golftyn Lane, Connah’s Quay, Flintshire CH5 4BH. Tickets are available free of charge via Eventbrite: https://dbf-transport-conference.eventbrite. co.uk.