AM’s comments on Ebbw Vale rail link spark anger
A RENEWED call has been made to reopen a rail link between Ebbw Vale and Newport after an AM said the route “isn’t a priority”.
For decades local people have been campaigning for the reopening of the route, and in 2008 services were restored between Ebbw Vale and Cardiff after a gap of 46 years.
But the need for upgraded signalling on a spur at the southern point of the branch line, coupled with the need for extra capacity on the route, meant that trains could not call at Newport.
Eleven years later, that continues to be the case, despite a renewed commitment made by the Welsh Government to reopen the Newport link in 2009.
Now Independent councillor Nigel Dix, who represents Blackwood on Caerphilly Council, has taken exception to a comment made by Blaenau Gwent Labour AM Alun Davies to the effect that the Newport link “isn’t a priority”.
Last night Mr Davies stood by his comment, saying his opinion was shared by Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith.
Cllr Dix said: “I think such an attitude is appalling.
“There are many people who would use the line to get to work in Newport.
“The Welsh Government has a duty to do what it can to get people out of their cars and improvements to public transport are essential.
“Reopening the railway line from Ebbw Vale to Newport would be a very important element of that. We have already seen how the line from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff has exceeded passenger expectations by far.
“Labour has been promising the rail link into Newport for over 20 years. We need action.”
A spokesman for the Welsh Government pointed out that in February, Economy and Transport Minister Ken Skates announced a reopening of the feasibility study into increasing the frequency of trains running from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff.
The spokesman said: “The Welsh Government entered into a contract to deliver the Ebbw Vale frequency enhancement scheme with Network Rail, but took appropriate steps to pause and review it when costs began to escalate.
“Network Rail (Wales Route) fully supported this, and worked closely with Welsh Government to reduce costs, and make sure all expenditure on the scheme delivers the required outcomes.
“It will now resume its task to look at the process needed to bring four trains an hour to the line by 2024, as part of the South Wales Metro.
“Due to be completed by early summer, it will form part of the case to the UK Government for investing in the non-devolved railway.”
Mr Skates said: “Ebbw Vale needs a high-quality and regular rail service – one that can support jobs, investment and economic development in the wider area.”
One of the proposals would entail some at least of the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff trains stopping at Newport. This would entail reversing the direction of travel after calling at Newport.