Carno Station Action Group Time for a train service

Now that the Minister has decided that the passing loop should remain at Talerddig, action must concentrate on pressing the case for a single platform station alongside the single track, although we will not abandon hope that the passing loop decision might be reconsidered. We must also build on the helpful recommendations of the Enterprise and Learning Committee of the National Assembly. Indeed, the Committee's recommendations have given the campaign fresh impetus.

Once the Minister has confirmed his earlier statement that a station away from the passing loop would be possible without compromising the hourly service, we intend to submit a business case for the station. The Committee's request for Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) officials to help us compile that case, if accepted, would allow a fuller case to be developed. Much of the work has already been done, dealing with the environmental outcomes and passenger numbers. The financial side will be strengthened. CSAG members are also looking again at the guidelines and standards for stations. A key decision for CSAG is whether to proceed on the basis of planning for a 10-metre platform, as at Beauly, or consider a longer platform that would take at least 2 coaches.

Two other recommendations of the Committee are also of great importance to the business case. They have asked the Minister to confirm the role of this line - is it a "social line" as currently treated by WAG or is it an inter-urban (Aberystwyth - Birmingham) line as stated by Network Rail staff at the Committee hearing? This will affect the way in which the business case will be structured. The Committee have also asked the Minister to provide guidance on business cases for the opening of stations generally, suggesting that the Committee favours more stations being opened in Wales.

On the campaigning side, political pressure will be maintained and it is intended that CSAG is present when the Minister is questioned by the Enterprise and Learning Committee later this year. The point that the Committee makes about the long distance between Caersws and Machynlleth stations will be stressed.