A consultancy firm has been commissioned to look into the possibility of a new station in St Athan, in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Vale of Glamorgan Council wants to explore the concept – following developments which include the Vale of Glamorgan Line having reopened in 2005 and new stations located at nearby Llantwit Major and Rhoose Cardiff International Airport.
Historically, there were two train stations located near the village, Gileston and St Athan Road, but both have long since closed. Another railway station, whilst named St Athan, was located some three kilometres to the west of the village near Boverton and also stopped operating some time ago.
Consultants Arcadis will look at an area around a section of the B4265, Barry to Llantwit Major Road, to see if a suitable site exists.
Its team will take into account a number of factors, including environmental features, land information, planning constraints and station requirements, such as vehicle, pedestrian and cycle access.
Cllr John Thomas, Vale of Glamorgan Council ward member for St Athan, said: “I’m delighted that we are looking into the possibility of locating a railway station at St Athan. It has been a long time since one existed in the village and with the local population growing it is sensible that we look into expanding public transport services.”
Cllr Peter King, Vale of Glamorgan council cabinet member for neighbourhood services and transport, said: “I understand the appetite for a railway station in St Athan so we have commissioned consultants to determine whether such a move is feasible.
“Increasing the use of public transport is in keeping with the Council’s Project Zero initiative to reduce carbon emissions so this is something we are very interested in investigating.”
Once Arcadis has completed the study, its findings will be reported and the Council will consider whether to take the matter forward.
