Thursday, November 25th, 2010

Welsh economy hit by no electrification

Local AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas has described the decision by the Conservative – Lib Dem UK Government to put on hold plans to electrify the Great Western main line to Swansea as disgraceful.  Mr. Thomas said Carmarthenshire was dependant on the electrification as a boost for the local economy.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas added:

“After losing out on millions of pounds worth of capital investment in the UK Government’s Spending Review this will be another blow to people of Carmarthenshire; many of whom use the First Great Western service for work.

“High speed rail to Swansea is crucial for all of South West Wales to be able to attract investment and to boost the local economy.

“It is fascinating that the Secretary of State for Wales and a series of Conservative MPs are fighting against high speed rail going through their constituencies over the border, but do absolutely nothing to deliver it for Wales where everybody wants it.

“Labour had the opportunity to press ahead with this work a long time ago but we know it was nothing more than a sound bite.  They refused to start the project and left it to the mercy of the Conservatives and Lib Dems.   Unfortunately we also know where Wales is on their priority list”.

ENDS/DIWEDD

News Releases