THE LABOUR Welsh Government are continuing their campaign pledge to improve transport links in South Wales.

Last week we had some great news with the official launch of the South Wales Metro, which will see public transport provisions across rail and roads improved for passengers, while linking communities across the Cardiff Capital Region.

Following a statement by First Minister Carwyn Jones on the scheme, I raised the issue of connectivity and the importance of the dualling of the line at Llanhilleth to make way for a more frequent service to Ebbw Vale and the provision of a station in Abertillery.

We have already won some key victories in investing in the Ebbw Valley line and I truly believe that this project will underpin sustainable economic growth throughout our communities.

I will continue to campaign for further investment to ensure we get the best deal here in Blaenau Gwent.

However I think many AMs were united in their disappointment when Network Rail’s Hendy report announced delays to the electrification of the mainline from Cardiff to Swansea and the possible knock-on effects to the planned electrification of the valleys lines.

During a session at the Senedd I asked the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport Edwina Hart for details of the implications for the Ebbw Valley line electrification following the report by Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy.

I also raised concerns over whether this will have an impact of metro plans, but was reassured by the minister that the cash for the metro is confirmed.

She did however say she will be seeking further information on the electrification project and keep AMs informed as soon as timescales and further details are revealed.

I cannot stress how important electrification of the valleys lines will be.

The electrification project is essential to increasing the frequency of trains along the Ebbw Valley track which has been a huge success in helping people get to and from Cardiff in order to find employment.

I believe the metro and electrification go hand in hand and I would not want to see either jeopardised.

The UK Conservative Government have let us down over re-electrification but we will continue to fight for both the main line and the whole of the valleys lines.