Newport West AM Rosemary Butler is asking for an urgent meeting with the Assembly's new transport minister, following reports that the link between Newport and the Cardiff/Ebbw Vale rail link may never be completed.

"I was shocked to hear that the plan appears to have been abandoned," she said.

"I am now asking for an urgent meeting with the new Transport Minister in Cardiff Bay, Ieuan Wyn Jones to see what can be done."

Mrs Butler also wants to meet representatives from SEWTA, the South East Wales Transport Alliance.

"It's very important for the economy of Newport that this route is established, and I will do everything I can to make sure that it happens," she said.

The link with Ebbw Vale depends on tracks being developed between Newport and Rogerstone.

Friday July 20