THE passenger rail line from Ebbw Vale to both Cardiff AND Newport could be in operation by 2004, it was claimed today.

As our Get Us Back on Track campaign enters its third week, an independent report has revealed the line to Newport could be opened at the same time as the Cardiff line - as early as 2004.

That is despite Railtrack saying signalling work cannot be carried out on the line to Newport until 2008 - three years after the Cardiff to Ebbw Vale line is due to open. We believe re-opening the rail link at the same time as the Cardiff line is vital to give Ebbw Vale people access to job opportunities in Newport.

Blaenau Gwent AM Peter Law (pictured) received the report from Derby-based engineering company WS Atkins Rail, showing the work could be carried out earlier.

He only found out about the report's existence after meeting one of the company's managers when they took the train trip from Ebbw Vale together last autumn.

"I was talking to him and he told me that the work could be done earlier and the problems overcome, so I asked him to send me the report," he added.

WS Atkins created the report to show it was possible for the Assembly to take charge of the project and, in doing so, complete it in 2004.

According to the company, a stand-alone signalling system at Newport could be built with minimal alteration to the existing signals. Signalling and the track at Newport station do not need any work, they say.

"It should be possible to use the existing unused platform (Platform 4) at Newport without any signalling alterations as the equipment and track layout are still in place and still in use for non-passenger services," the report states.

Mr Law said: "If it can be done earlier, then let's get on with it. Cost is irrelevant. They should be prepared to get this service running. They might not be official facts but they are still valid."

Mr Law submitted the report to the transport committee, but it was never debated. A Railtrack spokesman said it would not comment on long-term issues.

A spokesman for the National Assembly said: "The WS Atkins report was speculative and unofficial. The Assembly stands by studies commissioned by Blaenau Gwent council."