Commit to rail-link completion

THE Welsh Government needs to commit to completing the rail link from Ebbw Vale into Newport and to think beyond simply connecting the valleys with Cardiff Bay. We need to maximise the benefits of improvements to our railways by squeezing every possible benefit from the investment of public money, especially in times of austerity. The restoration of the rail link into Newport from the Ebbw Vale line has an impact well beyond simply enabling passengers to travel to and from Newport. Once completed the final stage of the long promised rail link would enable commuters to travel to work in Newport, Bristol, and beyond without having to drive or catch the train to Cardiff Central. At present within Wales rail services run between Merthyr and Bridgend via the Vale of Glamorgan. There is no reason why it would not be possible for extra services between Hereford, Abergavenny and Ebbw Vale, and Cheltenham, Gloucester and Ebbw Vale.