MAJOR redevelopment work to Newport station must be carried out before the long-awaited rail link from Ebbw Vale can open, the Assembly says.

The Argus Get Us Back on Track campaign has fought for the rail link to be opened at the same time as the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff link.

The contract for constructing both is due to be awarded this autumn, with services to Cardiff beginning early in 2007 - but the service to Newport is still not scheduled to begin until 2009.

An Assembly spokesman said that is because there are still practical problems of getting trains into Newport.

A crucial resignalling programme around the Newport area needs to be complete first. The process has already started with a major multi-million pound investment from Network Rail. Newport station itself needs redeveloping, including improving platform 4 and lengthening it to mainline standard, which is scheduled for completion by late 2006.

Further general improvement works will be completed in mid 2007.

The Assembly spokesman said: "When this has been completed, all four platforms at Newport will become fully operational bi-directional mainline platforms."

Blaenau Gwent AM and MP Peter Law said: "I am still hoping the date will be brought forward. I regret that it's taking so long. It is vital that the Cardiff link is opened first, then the Newport link as soon as possible after that."