Newport West AM Rosemary Butler says the delay in the launch of the new Cardiff to Ebbw Vale railway service is very disappointing.

The launch was due to take place on Friday 14th at Rogerstone and Ebbw Vale but invited VIPs were told that it had been cancelled. Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones told AMs that there were a number of outstanding issues that had to be resolved before the track could be handed over to Network Rail.

Mrs Butler says:

"This is very disappointing because people were obviously hoping to use it before Christmas. We hope the matter can be resolved as soon as possible."

Mrs Butler has for some months been urging ministers to settle another delay affecting the new line - the completion of the link between Rogerstone and Newport. At the moment it looks unlikely that crucial engineering works will be completed until the end of the decade despite pressure from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Thursday, December 13