Railwatch 079 - April 1999

South Wales

By Peter Clark and Julian Langston

South Wales Transport Grant RDS South Wales has given a qualified welcome to transport grant awards by the Welsh Office announced on 7 January. This is the first time that package bids have been widely made in Wales. While bids in South Wales to reopen lines and stations have been largely successful, Pembrokeshire has received nothing for rail. We are particularly disappointed that feasibility studies into rail freight terminals at Fishguard and Pembroke have received no funding. Moreover, it is disappointing to see that the lion's share of the grants still goes to road schemes.

Vale of Glamorgan Hopes for reopening of the line between Barry and Bridgend to passenger traffic have risen following transport grants of £150,000 for a feasibility study. This will look into the likely patronage of the line and whether any revenue support will be necessary. Previous studies have established that line speed could be raised to 60mph for £3million. A working group has been set up by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to progress the reopening plans, on which RDS South Wales is represented.

Pontrilas station A feasibility study has found a strong financial case and an overriding social case for reopening Pontrilas station between Abergavenny and Hereford. The idea is to supplement the hourly long-distance Cardiff to Manchester trains (a few of which would call at Pontrilas, early and late) with a local Cardiff to Hereford service. This would provide a boost for reopening Caerleon station, between Newport and Cwmbran. Co-operation will be needed between Herefordshire County Council and the authorities in South East Wales as a local service would probably require revenue support.

Ebbw Vale We still await publication of the feasibility study into reopening the line between Newport and Ebbw Vale to passenger traffic. However, an idea seems to be emerging of a high quality service including enclosed stations and new trains, as well as possibly reinstating the line to Abertillery at a cost of £30million. This is seen as essential to get car drivers to switch to rail. We welcome this idea, but with qualifications. We don't want to see the whole scheme aborted because of its relatively high cost. However, we do note that the proposed Cwm bypass nearby would also cost about £30million.

Assembly RDS South Wales will shortly be sending questionnaires to the candidates in South Wales standing for the Welsh Assembly. Questions will probe candidates' commitment to public transport.

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