THE line had been closed to passengers for more than 40 years and yesterday saw the Llanhilleth station open.

The station had been plagued with problems and was originally supposed to open at the same time as the other stations along the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line, but slow worms - a protected species, were found on the site which delayed construction work.

The line itself, had also suffered delays and after claims that it should be open by Christmas time, did not open until Wednesday February 6 this year.

But despite the delays, residents were still excited at yesterday's opening.

Harold Phelps, 65, of Commercial Road, Llanhilleth, said: "They should never have shut the railway line in the first place.

"But I'm very pleased to have it up and running again - it will be handy to get down to Cardiff and see the rugby.

He added: "It was a bit disappointing when it was delayed, but they've done a nice job- it was well worth the wait."

Nat Challenger, 18, of Llanhilleth, said: "People have been getting on and off all day.

"I'm a bit angry that it took a while to get here but I'm pleased it's here now - I'll be using it to go down to Cardiff."

Robert Harris, 65, also of Llanhilleth, added: "Every body's been looking forward to it, it will be really good for the village, especially for the youngsters."

But others were not so happy with the station Mervyn Crees, 69, who lives near the station said he was "disgusted" that the station had been built so close to where a number of pensioners are living.

He said: "The noise from people getting off the trains on a Saturday night will be bad and I'm concerned about the old aged pensioners nearby."