THERE is still no word on when the £30 million Ebbw Vale to Cardiff rail link is set to open.

Despite being told that an announcement was likely early in the New Year, yesterday none of the parties involved in the project could tell the Argus when the line will open.

The long-awaited opening of the line was cancelled before Christmas because of outstanding infrastructure works.

After inspections on the weekend of December 15-16, the rail link was given the go ahead to operate, and Arriva Trains Wales began driver training, a process they said would take around two weeks.

Earlier this week a Network Rail spokesman told the Argus that an announcement on an opening date might be made yesterday afternoon following a meeting with all parties.

But yesterday the same spokesman refused to comment and said all press queries must be referred to Blaenau Gwent council.

A council spokesman denied there had been any meeting and said there will be no announcement until all parties are agreed on the way forward.

It is understood there are still outstanding issues with the line that haven't been given the final sign off.

An Assembly spokeswoman said yesterday's meeting was a telephone conference that was part of a series of ongoing discussions between partners.