Aberystwyth Town Council has thrown its support behind the campaign for the railway line between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth to be reopened.

Penparcau councillor Dylan Wilson-Lewis put forward a motion during the town council meeting on Monday, 28 October.

He was also calling for the devolution of railway infrastructure powers to Wales.

He said: “It will enable the council to support the campaign for a Strategic Western Railway Corridor and the case for devolution of powers.”

He highlighted the importance of encouraging others in the region to support the campaign so that a ‘Strategic Western Railway Corridor’ can be reinstated.

Devolution in this case would result in all decisions relating to Welsh rail infrastructure being made in Wales by the Welsh government.

Cllr Wilson-Lewis’ motion said that Aberystwyth is ideally located at the centre of such a strategic transport corridor and so would become a key part of transport networks in Wales. This is also due to its existing rail services to Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and Pwllheli.

He stressed that the reinstatement of railway lines in Wales, in addition to a more synergised bus service to connect more isolated communities, has the potential to increase regional economic growth, enhance connectivity, increase accessibility to labour markets, increase the retention of young people, and promote social inclusion.

Cllr Wilson-Lewis’s motion was supported by the council but with an amendment made by Cllr Strong which stated that the route between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen is strategically important as is the link between Afon Wen and Bangor as it makes Wales self-reliant.

The amendment goes on to say that if the Welsh Government wants to deliver on its carbon reduction policy, then the reinstatement of the line is essential.

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