Contact/Cyswllt: Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Welsh Liberal Democrat Mick Bates has expressed his disappointment as the Labour-Plaid Government followed their track record and failed to support the re-opening of Carno station on the Cambrian Railway Line in Mid Wales.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats support the need for more investment in rural railways. Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates lead the way on the Lib Dem plenary debate this week:

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats see the re-opening of Carno Station as a win-win opportunity for promoting both community regeneration and sustainability, while at the same time capitalising on the existing infrastructure of the Cambrian main line.

“Carno station is key to the regeneration of a community which has suffered greatly since the closure of the Laura Ashley factory and the hundreds of jobs that were lost as a result.

“In terms of sustainability, there has been a lot of new housing development in Montgomeryshire in recent years, but if we are serious about sustainability we need to be sure that new housing is well-served by public transport.

“In terms of environmental benefits, the Energy White Paper supports train travel as an energy efficient transport mode. Transport is responsible for around 23% of UK domestic CO2 emissions but rail travel accounts for less than 1% of this.

“Re-opening the train station at Carno would encourage people to use their cars less and cut carbon emissions, which are all important steps in our green campaign.

“In terms of social inclusion - access to jobs and education is crucial, but access to shops, hospitals, leisure facilities, friends & relatives are important too. All would be dramatically improved by the station. Buses in Carno do not run in the evenings or on Sundays, but the trains do.

“I am disappointed that the Deputy First Minister took the decision to retain the loop in Talerddig before hearing evidence taken by the Committee.

“I am even more disappointed that this Labour-Plaid Government has once again refused to back such a worthy campaign. We may have a new Assembly and a new set of Ministers, but the policy of neglect for the heart of Wales has continued from the previous Labour administration."



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