Mick supports campaign to re-open Carno train station

Mick Bates is supporting the campaign to re-open Carno Railway station.

A petition to re-open the station was presented to the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales in June.  It is a ground breaking petition as it is one of the first to be submitted to the Assembly under the new powers.

Commenting on the campaign Mick said:

"The Campaign to re-open Carno train station is something I have been involved in and something I support. Not only will it encourage people to use their cars less and cut carbon emissions, it will be highly beneficial to the local economy.

"Carno has suffered a great deal in recent years since the decline of the Laura Ashley factory. Re-opening the train station will present new economic opportunities for the area."

On September 4th Mick urged campaigners to 'stay on track' following a meeting of an Assembly committee.  The Enterprise and Learning Committee met to discuss the ground breaking petition presented by Carno Station Action Group. 

It was a historic day for petitioners, being the first time a petition brought to the Assembly has been discussed by the evidence committee.

Following the meeting Mick stated:

"Under new Assembly standing orders petitions are taken much more seriously than before. I am pleased to see the Assembly Committee travel to the heart of this issue and listen to the views of the local community in Carno.

“Mike Bagshaw of Arriva Trains Wales admitted during the meeting that Carno is the best place to put the passing loop, as the loop in Talerddig is too far West and would unbalance the timetable.

“Network Rail and the government acknowledged that stations have been opened which serve populations of around 3,000. So by their own admissions Carno station could be re-opened.

“All stations opened recently have been in South Wales. Re-opening the train station at Carno would be a great step towards regeneration of the local area.

“I am disappointed that the Deputy First Minister took the decision to retain the loop in Talerddig before hearing evidence taken by the Committee. This is an extremely significant time for both the Carno community and the future success of the petitions system. I look forward to hearing the recommendations the Committee will make."