Don't give up - Bates urges Carno Campaigners to stay on track

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 5th Sep 2007

"Don't give up on Carno station" - that's the message to campaigners from local AM Mick Bates following a meeting of an Assembly committee yesterday.

The Enterprise and Learning Committee met yesterday to discuss the ground breaking petition presented by Carno Station Action Group under the new Assembly procedures.

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

Mick Bates AM has been involved in the campaign to re-open the station at Carno. Commenting he said:

"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. It would encourage people to use their cars less, cut carbon emissions and bring new economic opportunities to the area, which has suffered since the closure of the Laura Ashley factory.

"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.

End/ Diwedd