SUPPORT for the Argus' high-profile campaign to speed up the re-opening of the rail link from Ebbw Vale to Newport is continuing to pour in from all levels.

More than 1,000 coupons and petition signatures calling for the line to be re-opened before the scheduled date of 2008 have now been received from our readers.

Our Get Us Back on Track campaign - launched in July - is calling for the line from Ebbw Vale to Newport to be opened at the same time as the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff track, which is planned for 2005.

We say it will give Ebbw Vale residents vital access to employment opportunities in the Newport area.

But Railtrack has said that because of a shortage of skilled signalling engineers, it may not be possible to open the Newport line for two to three years afterwards.

Supporters have filled in coupons to show their backing - and 257 signatures were gathered by Ian Brewer, (pictured) of Newport, who collected the names in an impromptu petition, in just three hours.

Mr Brewer, of Melfort Road, was so impressed by the campaign that the life-long train enthusiast decided to draw up his own petition.

We have also had support from local politicians, including Blaenau Gwent Assembly Member Peter Law, who has been campaigning for several years for the line to be re-opened.

Mr Law said yesterday that the level of support was "marvellous". "I congratulate the South Wales Argus on their sustained campaign," he said. Mr Law added that there had already been success, with the scheme possibly being brought forward to 2007 rather than 2008 - but said he was still determined to keep up the pressure for the lines to both Newport and Cardiff to be running by 2005.

And Islwyn AM Brian Hancock said he was also maintaining pressure about the rail link - and that last week he questioned the Assembly's commitment to its restoration.

"The environment minister Sue Essex has confirmed her commitment to the restoration of this line and while saying it is a priority she has only said it will be done as soon as possible," he said.

"I fully intend to keep up the pressure to have this line open as soon as possible, as I believe the line could be operational far earlier than the current timetable would suggest. "The rail link is very important to the future of the entire area."

l We want to hear from unemployed people from the Ebbw Vale area who think the rail link would help them find jobs. Contact Helen Morgan on 01495 223648 or email newsdesk@gwent-wales.co.uk