THE Welsh Government is bidding for a new train station to be built in Carno by 2024.

A letter has been sent to the UK Government's secretary of state for transport, Grant Shapps MP, calling for investment in the Wales and Borders rail network through the UK Government’s Restoring Your Railways fund.

Funding would not only improve rail connectivity, but 'supercharge' Wales’ post-coronavirus recovery.

Carno Station closed in the 1960s and the Carno Station Action Group have been campaigning for a station to be reopened since 2002.

Last year assessment by Network Rail said benefits of a new Carno railway station include the possibility of it serving the local village, the proximity to the A470, and that it would close the geographical gap on the Cambrian Main Line.

A report undertaken by Transport for Wales for the Transport Minister Ken Skates identified four locations for new stations. The developments, which would be paid for under the New Stations Fund 3, would be ready by early 2024.

All of equal priority, the stations would be:

- Deeside Parkway, on the Borderlands Line in North Wales.

- Carno, on the Cambrian Mainline in Mid Wales.

- St Clears on the Great Western Mainline in West Wales.

- Ely Mill on the City Line in Cardiff, in South Wales.

In his letter, the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales Ken Skates writes: “In combination, which is why I have not prioritised between them, the Transport for Wales report demonstrates a compelling case for all four to be developed as an integrated programme to improve access to the rail network across the regions of Wales.

"They will make a major contribution to improved rail connectivity, supercharge our post Covid19 recovery, and develop our public transport for the future. Our new station openings will be key to Building Back Better.”

New stations in Carno and St Clears would support strong employment and sustainable economic growth through improved regional connectivity. They share extensive support within rural communities with limited public transport opportunities, who have historically been overlooked, particularly since the closure of previous stations in these communities and of Laura Ashley’s famous factory in Carno.