- 16/07/2012
- Posted by: Mike Hedges MS
- Category: Latest News
Swansea AMs Mike Hedges and Julie James have both welcomed the announcement that the Great Western Main Line to Swansea and the Valley Lines network will be electrified during the next railway investment period in 2014-19, following a Welsh Labour campaign involving the Welsh Government, AMs and MPs.
The Welsh Government led on developing a robust business case which was submitted to the Department for Transport and was considered for inclusion in the investment scheme.
In a joint press release, Swansea AMs Mike Hedges & Julie James said:
“We strongly welcome today’s U-turn by the UK Government over their decision to go ahead and electricity the Great Western Rail Line from London to Swansea. This has been an issue that we both have continuously raised on behalf of constituents since entering the Assembly last year.
“This is significant investment in our rail infrastructure and says to the world that Swansea’s open for business. What’s also pleasing is that today’s decision comes on the back of last week’s Hayward report which recommends that a city region should be developed around the Swansea Bay area to help economic performance. We know that a first-rate transport system will be essential in developing a strong and vibrant city region.
“What is regrettable however is the time it’s taken for the UK Government to reach a decision over this issue along with the uncertainty it’s caused over the past year.
“We know that a robust business plan was submitted by the Welsh Government which had the backing of many businesses and organisations, including Virgin Media, Virgin Atlantic, Admiral, Amazon, Hewlett Packard, Swansea University and Royal Mail.
“What’s important now is ensuring that this investment is put into action to help the local economy and bring jobs to the area.”
