THE statement by the AM for Blaenau Gwent regarding a direct rail link from Ebbw Vale to Newport shows a total disregard for the business community in the Western Valley.
Our AMs have made a huge play of the importance of having electrification of the Paddington to Swansea line, to have a fast direct service to encourage business to locate in South Wales. This will save some 15 minutes off the journey time from London to Cardiff.
However, the illustrious AM Alun Davies appears to think that direct links to London and London Heathrow from the Western Valley are not required. Business people and other travellers who wish to travel by train to Bristol, London and London Heathrow now have to travel an extra 15 minutes to Cardiff and then an extra 15 minutes back to Newport on a train they could have joined in Newport. Forget the idea that passengers can change at Rogerstone and travel by bus to Newport; that just does not work and certainly does not indicate the demand for a Newport service. The demand for the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff service has exceeded all expectations. Why should an Ebbw Vale to Newport service not do the same?
David Powell, The Uplands, Newbridge
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