ANDREW RT DAVIES has said the lack of a new station for St Athan is “a huge missed opportunity”.
In the UK Government’s spending review, new rail projects for Wales worth £445 million over 10 years were announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
A total of five new stations are planned for south Wales as part of the measures, in Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton, Llanwern and Magor & Undy.
Other uses for the money will include fixing level crossings and upgrading existing lines, according to the UK Treasury.
St Athan hasn’t had its own train station for 60 years.
Between 2011 and 2021, the population of St Athan increased by 22%, according to the Census, and has seen substantial housing development.
The UK Government announced they would back a business case for a station for the area in early 2024, but after the last General Election, the new Labour UK Government announced they would review their transport capital spending, essentially placing St Athan on hold.
Then, when the Chancellor stood up to announce her spending review, and details followed, St Athan was not included in plans for new rail upgrades in Wales.
The closest train stations for St Athan residents are in Llantwit Major and Rhoose, both several kilometers away from the village.
Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “Leaving St Athan out of plans for new rail is Wales is a snub to the Vale, and a huge missed opportunity.
“St Athan has seen massive development in recent years, and we need the infrastructure to catch up. Sadly, despite the wheels already being in motion to bring a station back to St Athan, the Chancellor has shelved the plans.
“This spending review was a chance to take the station forward and provide more links and more growth in our county.
“It’s high time that this government recognised that the Vale of Glamorgan is a crucial part of the south Wales economy that deserves investment.”
