TWO Gwent AMs began piling on the pressure on new transport minister Carl Sargeant this week to get moving with the Ebbw Vale to Newport rail link.
South Wales East regional members Jocelyn Davies and Mohammad Asghar have both tabled written questions to Mr Sargeant calling for answers over what the government is doing on the much-delayed project.
Meanwhile two Welsh Government ministers – also Gwent AMs – said they would continue to make the case for the link to be completed. In a written question Plaid’s Ms Davies asked when the minister expects to publish a national transport plan and whether it would outline the government’s intention on the Ebbw Valley link to Newport.
“It is now time for the new minister to signal his intentions,” she added.
The Conservatives’ Mr Asghar asked what steps are being made over the opening of the link. He said the constant delays from the previous administration were “hugely disappointing and caused much frustration to many of my constituents”.
Responses to both questions would be expected in the next few weeks.
Blaenau GwentAMAlun Davies, now a deputy minister for agriculture, food, fisheries and European programmes, said he would also be making the case for the Newport link and the line’s further development, including extensions to Ebbw Vale Town and Abertillery.
Newport East AM John Griffiths, the minister for the environment, said he has been campaigning for the link for several years: “I will continue to campaign for that to happen as quickly as possible.”
New Islwyn Labour AM Gwyn Price added: “This section of the line has always been a priority and should remain so now.”
The Welsh Government is awaiting the final version of a feasibility study from Network Rail on the link, following a draft last month. A spokesman said: “The Minister for Transport is currently looking at his transport priorities and will consider this scheme further once the recommendations of Network Rail’s report have been received and reviewed.”
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