GRAHAM: EBBW VALE TO NEWPORT RAIL LINK NEEDED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REDEVELOPED NEWPORT TRAIN STATION    

25^th January 2010 

Speaking at the Official Opening of the redeveloped Newport Station this morning, William Graham AM:

‘I welcome the redevelopment of Newport Station, which is an impressive new landmark on the Newport skyline and attracted many compliments from visitors for last year’s Ryder Cup.’  

‘It is vital however, that the Assembly Government directs policy and investment to take advantage of the opportunities the redevelopment has presented. This afternoon I will be asking the Assembly Business Minister to urge clarification on the opening of the rail link between Newport and Ebbw Vale. Successive Assembly Governments have stalled on the issue, while commuters have missed out on the social and economic opportunities the new route would offer. Businesses in Newport City Centre have particularly suffered, as many potential customers from the Valleys have taken to shopping in Cardiff instead owing to the success of the rail link opened in 2008 between Ebbw Vale and Cardiff Central’.  

The Conservative AM for South Wales East continued:  

‘Like other rail users in Newport, I am now looking forward to the opening of the pedestrian link between Cambrian Road and Devon Place, following the closure of the underpass.’  

ENDS 

William Graham AM