AM slams rail delay (From Campaign Series)

AM slams rail delay

7:20am Tuesday 23rd October 2007

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AM Trish Law said the delay opening stations along the new Ebbw Vale rail link makes the area "a laughing stock."

She responded to news we reported on Monday that the Llanhilleth and Crosskeys stations may not open in time because slow worms were found in parts of these sites.

"The presence of slow worms in this area has been well known for as long as I can remember. She said, "so why has it taken so long to move them to another location".

"We are just eight weeks away from the long-awaited reopening of the line after 45 years, and we are told that the train may not now call at two stations because of the slow worms.

The majority of the new Ebbw Vale rail link to Cardiff is due to be complete on December 14.

Slow worms are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and have to be removed before the work can progress.

Bad weather has helped slow worms to throw the progress of two new rail stations off track.

In response, project manager Richard Crook said that the weather has been too wet and cold for the slow worms to be fully active, which had caused a delay in relocating them.

He added: "To open a railway line and provide a new, integrated passenger service with bus links so nearly on schedule is a major success - it may be a record for the UK's railway system.

"This is a key regeneration project that will bring considerable economic and social benefits to the people and communities of the area.

"Everyone involved is fully committed to completing this important project as soon as possible."

At present the Llanhilleth station is making good progress and might still meet the deadline after all.

But if the opening of either the Crosskeys or Llanhilleth stations are delayed, Blaenau Gwent Council look into the possibility of using buses to link the stations when the rest of the line is opened.

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