Bates lobbying pays off

Release/Rhyddhau: 13/07/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Montgomeryshire AM, Mick Bates, has welcomed a decision by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide funding for extra rolling stock on the Cambrian Coast, and the Heart of Wales railways. 

An extra £0.6 million funding will be made available over a six month period for extra rolling stock to provide longer trains on the famous Welsh railways.

Commenting, Mick said:  "I welcome the decision to provide extra funding. I have been asking the Minister for Enterprise, Innovations and Networks, Andrew Davies, for the money for a long time.

"The additional rolling stock will relieve summer overcrowding on our rural railways. There will be over 5,000 additional seats every week for the Cambrian Coast line and 700 extra seats every weekend for travellers on the Heart of Wales Line. 

"Not only will it help more people enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Mid Wales, it will be a major driver of wealth in the rural economy. 

"This announcement provides a major opportunity for the business and people of Mid Wales.  I want to work with all parties to make sure it works.

"Now we need an hourly service between Newtown to Shrewsbury.  Like the Cambrian Coast and Heart of Wales railway lines I will be continually lobbying the government until we get it!"