Media centre

Thursday 9 Feb 2012

ENERGLYN’S NEW STATION PLAN UNVEILED

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Click on link for animation - Proposed Energlyn station

A proposal to build a brand new station at Energlyn is unveiled for the first time today at an exhibition, where the public is encouraged to give feedback and lend their support for this plan.

The new station, which will be located between Aber and Llanbradach, aims to serve the growing community at Energlyn. Once completed, the scheme will benefit passengers at Energlyn from direct rail services to and from Cardiff for the very first the time, potentially within two years.

Developed jointly by the Welsh Government, Network Rail, Caerphilly County Borough Council, SEWTA and Arriva Trains Wales, the plan will significantly help ease road congestion and cater for rising rail usage in the area. The plan proposes that the new station consists of two platforms with step-free access .

Mark Langman, route managing director for Network Rail Wales said: “This proposal is driven by a vision to transform the railway in Wales and, once delivered, will bring a huge benefit for Energlyn. Support from the people of the town is vital to make this possible, so we urge the public to share their views and comments with us today. Energlyn has seen a steady increase in passenger demand over the years and the proposed new station will cater for this growth and encourage sustainable travel, whilst improving the environment and socio-economics of the area.”

Minister for Transport, Carl Sargeant said: "The Welsh Government is committed to supporting a modern and efficient rail system in Wales. We plan to make rail more accessible, so that more of our communities have the choice of accessing a high-quality yet affordable rail system."

An Arriva Trains Wales spokesperson said: ‘We welcome the news of potential investment in the Energlyn area. We believe that this may have a really positive impact in serving this growing community. We encourage any of those who may benefit to come along and have a look at the proposals. Public engagement such as this will undoubtedly help Network Rail and their partners ensure this is a really successful potential project.”

The proposed new station will be equipped with disabled parking spaces, drop-off point, CCTV, waiting shelters, ticket machines, bicycle storage area, emergency help points and digital boards providing real-time train information.

A grant is currently being sought from the Welsh European Funding Office and the feedback and support received from the public will be vital to help support this application process.

The exhibition is held at Plasyfelin Primary School, Lewis Drive, Churchill Park, Caerphilly, CF83 3FT, between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday 9 February 2012.