New group to consider Cambrian rail line improvements

A group is being created to consider proposals to improve the Cambrian main and coastal lines through mid Wales.

The Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Railway Liason Committee said hourly services could boost employment and tourism.

Its report also called for more trains on the coast line in the summer months.

Committee members and other bodies, including local businesses, have been invited to join the Cambrian Rail Implementation Group by Transport Minister Edwina Hart.

She said she wanted the group to look closely at the committee's recommendations and report back in January on costs and feasibility of implementing changes.

Railway liaison committee chair Mansel Williams said the report's recommendations had been based on an analysis of passengers' responses in a survey and consultation.

"The volume of responses has been very high and the results back up a number of existing reports made over the past few years that show the need for an hourly service along this key transport artery for mid Wales," he said.