New railway station near Aberystwyth 'would boost economy' Published duration 26 December 2016

image copyright Ben Brooksbank/Geograph image caption Bow Street station in 1962 - it was closed three years later

A new railway station in Ceredigion would have a big impact on the regional economy, a Labour AM member says.

Bow Street station, on the Cambrian line north of Aberystwyth, was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts

The Welsh Government is seeking £6.8m from the UK government to cover three quarters of the cost of a new station.

Mid and West Wales AM Eluned Morgan said there was a "very strong" economic case for the project, with a new university campus opening up.

"Rail infrastructure is crucial to opening up the connections to Aberystwyth and beyond," she said.

"There is a welcome upturn in economic activity in the area, including the new Aberystwyth University campus nearby.

"This rail stop will cut down on traffic, promote business, reduce pollution, provide a vital transport system for commuters and the elderly."

image copyright ceredigion council image caption Consultation showed "considerable support" for a new station, Ceredigion council says

The Welsh Government has applied for a £6.8m grant for part funding from the UK government for the project which would include a new train station and interchange plus car parking and bus stops.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said he had submitted a "strong" application for 75% of the cost of the new station - the maximum the UK Government could cover.

He said the Welsh Government would provide the remaining 25% of the funding - £1.7m.

Proposals for a new station at Bow Street have been shown at a public event and, if approved, is hoped will open in 2019.

It would be built a short distance south of the original station, which is now the site of a builders' merchants.

A spokesman for Ceredigion council said it had found "considerable support" for the scheme in consultation.

The authority expected to hear the outcome of the funding application early in 2017.