NO DECISION will be made over the much-delayed project to run rail services between Ebbw Vale and Newport until at least the autumn, leaving local politicians renewing calls for urgent progress.

Transport Minister Carl Sargeant has ordered an updated report looking at figures and projections for the proposed service, the subject of almost a decade of campaigning by the Argus, according to Newport West AM Rosemary Butler.

A feasibility study into the infrastructure needed to launch the service is still being revised and the minister is unlikely to announce his priorities for Welsh transport projects until the autumn.

Mrs Butler, who is also the National Assembly’s presiding officer, said: “He assured me that he’s going to look at it and he’s asked his officials to give an updated report.”

She said: “It’s gone on so long, I’ve been so disappointed.

"We have been led to believe that things would happen that didn’t happen. It didn’t seem to be top of the agenda.”

Newport council leader Matthew Evans called for urgent progress and added: “If this new report means that at last we will see a light at the end of the tunnel then I welcome it, but I sincerely hope this is not just another delaying tactic.”

Jocelyn Davies, Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East, said: “I think it’s time the Welsh Government said either ‘yes, we are going to do it’ or ‘no we are not’.”

The options and the cost of the work on the link are investigated in a separate feasibility study that was commissioned by officials in Cardiff from Network Rail.

In a letter to Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith, Network Rail says the report, which recommends redoubling the line from Aberbeeg junction to Llanhilleth station, has been submitted to the Welsh Government.

It is understood the report is still subject to revisions – despite former transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones saying last year it would be finished by March.

Mr Smith said: “It’s important for the economy of Gwent that we provide a service between Ebbw Vale and Newport.”

The Welsh Government said officials are preparing a detailed appraisal of the service’s full cost.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Disgust over rail line delay

TO SAY we are bitterly disappointed over the announcement that no decision is to be made on rail services between Ebbw Vale and Newport until the autumn is an understatement.

We had been expecting something in March, but like so many other times, that was a false promise.

Now Assembly Transport Minister Carl Sargeant has ordered an updated report and says nothing will be decided until the autumn.

We’re sick of the delays and we’re sick of nothing being done. We have run our Back on Track campaign for nearly a decade, at first calling for the line to open at the same time as the Cardiff line, and when that didn’t happen, just to get the line open.

We have the backing of politicians, traders and most importantly, passengers.

There have been too many wishywashy excuses over the years. In our view and the view of some experts there is no reason this line cannot open.

The delay will have had a massive impact on Newport’s economy on top of the worst recession this country has ever seen.

It is utter madness that people in the Valleys can easily get into Cardiff but not into Newport by train.

They have missed out on job opportunities and the city centre has missed out on trade.

We call again on those in authority to make this a top priority, not put it back on the shelf until the autumn. These plans have gathered dust too long.

Those responsible for the delays should hang their heads in shame at what they have done to the economy of Gwent.