POLITICIANS say they won't stop fighting to get a vital rail link with Ebbw Vale opened at the same time as Cardiff's in 2006.

The Argus is running the Get Us Back on Track campaign - calling for the mile-long Newport link to be re-opened at the same time as, or before, the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line becomes operational.

The campaign has had overwhelming support from politicians of all parties and the public.

Yet despite considerable pressure from many quarters, the Assembly administration has so far resisted such a move.

Economic development and transport minister Andrew Davies was cornered over the Newport link by John Griffiths, AM for Newport East.

Mr Griffiths asked Mr Davies for assurances that Newport's link would be opened at the same time as Cardiff's and was told this was "unlikely".

Having already confirmed the Assembly's commitment to opening Cardiff's link in 2006, a year later than originally planned, Mr Davies told the chamber:

"Signalling issues make it unlikely that the Newport to Ebbw Vale link will be opened at the same time as the Cardiff Ebbw Vale line. But we remain committed to opening the Newport link as soon as is feasibly possible."

Mr Griffiths later told the Argus: "These 'alleged' difficulties with infrastructure must be overcome. Newport is the natural location for Ebbw Vale and Blaenau Gwent people to come and work, do their shopping and spend leisure time.

"There is a good strong local campaign in the city which the Argus has played a prominent part in. For my part I will continue to ask questions of both Andrew Davies and Rhodri Morgan."

Stewart Wild, head of planning and economic regeneration at Newport city council, re-emphasised the commitment of the local authority not to miss out on the potential riches of an early rail connection to Ebbw Vale.

He said: " We are totally committed to the building of a train link to Ebbw Vale. Newport is a growing, dynamic and enterprising city.

"This train link will improve accessibility to the city, which is strategically situated along the M4 corridor. We will continue to press for the early connection into Newport, ideally at the same time as Cardiff."