Monmouthshire County Council are delighted that the UK Government have allocated £445m of resources to enable rail infrastructure improvements across Wales, including the long-awaited delivery of the recommendations made by the South East Wales Transport Commission led by Lord Burns.

Our communities have continued to live with the impacts of congestion on the M4 with no viable public transport alternatives.

The upgrades to the South Wales Mainline will increase train service frequency and the provision of five new railway stations – including Magor Walkway, which is a testament to the tireless work of the MAGOR group (Magor Action Group on Rail), who have been supported throughout by Monmouthshire County Council and local councillors – including Councillors John Crook, Angela Sandles and Frances Taylor.

The new stations will make travel by train a realistic option for commuting and leisure journeys between Cardiff and Bristol, boosting the economic benefits for the wider region.

Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader of Monmouthshire County Council said: “This is a hugely welcome investment that recognises the urgent need to upgrade our transport network here in Wales. Magor Walkway Station is a project with strong community backing from local councillors, residents, and campaign groups. I’ll continue working with all partners to make sure Monmouthshire sees the benefit of this long-overdue rail project.”

We will continue to work with the Welsh Government and our neighbouring authorities to deliver the other recommendations of the Lord Burns Commission which includes the provision of a new link road between the M48 and the B4245 to create a park and ride facility at Severn Tunnel Junction Railway station.

We look forward to hearing the finer details of the Infrastructure Strategy when it is released next week.