Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert has slammed the decision to delay the construction of a new rail station at Energlyn in Caerphilly – laying the blame squarely at the door of the UK Coalition Government’s over-zealous spending cuts. He also regrets that Ieuan Wyn Jones, Leader of Plaid and the Minister responsible for transport, decided to postpone this important project.
Information released by the Welsh Government today as part of its Capital Spending Plans 2011-12 confirm that the long-awaited new station on the Rhymney Valley line ‘will be deferred or re-profiled from 2011-12 as a result of the UK Government’s Spending Review’.
Jeff Cuthbert AM said: “This is an extremely disappointing decision that has been forced on Wales by the UK Coalition Government’s drastic and over-enthusiastic spending cuts. Wales has been left with the worst financial settlement since devolution thanks to the Tories’ and Lib Dems’ Thatcherite commitment to cutting public spending and rolling back the state.
“I have campaigned long and hard for better access and services along the Rhymney Valley line, and Wales’ Plaid Cymru Transport Minister has praised me in the past for the work that I have done on behalf of my constituents.
“However, I regret greatly that the Plaid Minister has taken this decision because the new station is badly needed and local people will be very disappointed.”
