THE announcement of a new £50 million railway station and park and ride facility in Llanwern has been widely welcomed.

The plan was announced earlier this week as part of the Welsh Government’s draft budget for the 2018-2019 financial year.

And the news has been widely welcomed, with Newport East AM John Griffiths saying it would “enable commuters to avoid congestion and let the train take the strain”.

“Llanwern is a prime site and quickly developing for industry, commerce and housing,” he said.

“This investment will support and strengthen the economic, social and environmental future of Llanwern and Newport.”

The Labour AM added: “We need to invest in an integrated transport system for Wales, getting cars off our roads and encouraging people onto public transport, as well as moving freight to rail.

“A new railway station and park and ride at Llanwern is an important part of this necessary change.”

And Newport City Council’s cabinet member for streetscene Cllr Roger Jeavons said he was “delighted” by the announcement.

“This railway station and park and ride facility will benefit many thousands of our city’s residents which could help reduce congestion on our roads,” he said.

“This will give people the choice to travel by train without having to travel from one side of Newport to the other to use the main train station in the centre.

“It is also a sign of further confidence in the growth of the city that the Welsh Government is planning such a big investment in our infrastructure.”

The draft budget, which is out for consultation, also included a commitment to earmark an unspecified amount of funding to buy new rolling stock for the planned South Wales Metro and Wales and Borders franchise.

A new operator for the franchise is currently being identified.