§ Chris RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the improvements to railway stations in Wales, broken down by(a) location and (b) cost in each of the last five years; and what the proposed improvements are for the next three years. [1330541]
§ Mr. McNulty[pursuant to the answer, 22 October 2003, Official Report, c. 567–68W]: In September 2002 £2.4 million was provided by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) for the installation of 'Inform Cymru' at 46 stations in Wales; in April 2002 £99,000 for additional car parking spaces, improved security and better passenger facilities at Haverfordwest Station; and £1.1 million for a new waiting room, toilet with disabled access, CCTV and Customer Information Service/ PublicAnnouncement (CIS/PA) at Trefforest Station.
The new Wales and Borders franchise agreement which was signed on 20 October 2003 provides £400,000 for improving car parks, including those at Cardiff Central (Wood Street) and Newport. Under the Vale of Glamorgan scheme the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) is meeting the costs for the building of the two new stations at Rhoose and Llanwit Major. The Vale of Glamorgan line is expected to re-open in December 2004. The Welsh Assembly Government has also set aside £2.5 million for Wales and Borders to improve 47 of their stations before April 2004. The Ebbw Valley scheme, which provides for up to six new stations, is still under consideration by the Welsh Assembly Government.