SUPPORT for our Get Us Back On Track campaign is pouring in from all over Gwent.

It is still less than a week since the Argus launched the campaign to open a passenger rail link from Ebbw Vale to Newport at the same time as the Ebbw Vale-Cardiff line in 2005.

Already we have received 81 coupons back from readers and many letters expressing support.

Jan Preece, of Wolseley Street, Newport, writes: " The campaign by the Argus to reintroduce a rail link to Ebbw Vale must be supported by everyone as a matter of utmost urgency.

"Well done the Argus for an excellent campaign, which it is hoped will not only bring many economic and social advantages, but will in some way offer a little more protection to what really matters - our environment."

Edward Noonan, of Wood-fieldside, Blackwood, said: "The road system in the upper valleys is a disgrace for this day and age, and to fail to go ahead and bring the Ebbw Vale rail link to an operational standard as a top priority is an insult to the people living along the route."

There was also praise for our campaign from local politicians, with Islwyn AM Brian Hancock offering his "wholehearted support" .

"I am sure if enough pressure is applied we can persuade the parties involved to change their minds and open the Newport link," he said.

"I congratulate you on your commitment to this cause and I am certain, with your talent for leading campaigns, common sense and justice will prevail and this issue will be successfully resolved."

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge added that the rail link to Newport would be welcomed, especially after Newport achieved city status.

"Surely with many north Gwent residents employed in Newport, the Assembly needs to put its priorities in order," he said.

"This link would be a lifeline for the many workers who have lost their jobs in Blaenau Gwent by the Corus decision."