BLAENAU Gwent AM Alun Davies has said the creation of a new £11.5 million station and railway in Ebbw Vale town centre will create important transport links with not only the rest of Wales, but Europe too.

The Welsh Government’s finance minister, Jane Hutt, announced the project as part of a £76.5 million funding package for housing, schools, flood protection and transport.

Mr Davies said he had been campaigning for the extended rail link since before he was elected and called the announcement “fantastic news”.

He said: “It was hard work to stitch together a financial deal which would allowit to happen, but we did it.”

Mr Davies believes the new station will strengthen bonds not just between the valley and the rest of Wales, but with the rest of the UK and Europe as part of a long-term development.

He said: “The electrification of the line is part of a long-term investment in the line, making journeys faster and more comfortable.

“By building these lines we can go towards putting a service on frequently every 20 minutes to Cardiff and Abertillery.”

Mr Davies said the rail plans were just one of many recent significant investments to be made in the area, including at The Works Site, the A465 and the Circuit of Wales.

He added: “All of a sudden we have significant investment in the industry of Blaenau Gwent, which is highly important for residents.

And of course, this is all taking place in the teeth of one of the biggest recessions in our lifetime.

“The line will be connecting Blaenau Gwent to not just the rest of Wales but also the European network.”

The Welsh Government said the scheme, part of the Ebbw Valley railway line, is an initial element of a wider programme to create a more integrated transport network in South East Wales.

As for the Circuit of Wales, the AM dismissed claims by some environmental groups that the plans to build a £250 million racetrack in Blaenau Gwent’s countryside would be “devastating”.

The Open Spaces Society condemned the plans for the track last month, despite the partnership behind the move saying it will bring 9,000 jobs to the area.

Society general secretary Kate Ashbrook said: “Its effect will be devastating.

“People’s peaceful enjoyment of this lovely open space, with its extensive views, will be wrecked.”

The 3.5-mile track would feature a 4x4 circuit, international kart track and motocross track.

Mr Davies said: “The opposition comes from people from outside Blaenau Gwent, who are not from Blaenau Gwent and have no interest in Blaenau Gwent.

“My advice to those people is to leave us alone.”