We are now in the final stages of preparation for the launch of our Crowdfunder Appeal to raise £20,000 towards the ‘Magor and Undy Walkway’ station ‘GRIP1/2’ feasibility study.
It’s been 50 years since Dr Beeching closed the stations at Magor and Undy so it’s with a sense of timely satisfaction that over the last year we have achieved some significant steps in making a new station of ‘Magor and Undy Walkway’ a reality.
Here are some of them –
- Representatives from First Great Western and Arriva Trains attend our meetings and recognise that we are serious about opening the station and provide us with helpful advice.
- A number of articles about our campaign have appeared in the local press and national specialist journals.
- The children from our local schools join the campaign and send us some beautiful letters of support. Our MP, Jessica Morden, presents prizes to the children in recognition of their efforts.
- Our membership grows to over 200 after our appearance at the May Fayre event.
- We gain 2 seats on Monmouthshire County Council’s Strategic Transport Group.
- Welsh Government’s City/Regions Metro plan recognises Magor as being a potential site for a light (Tram) and heavy rail station.
- Network Rail confirms that the outer ‘relief lines’ between Severn Tunnel Junction and Newport are in the ‘electrification plans’ – this is key to making Magor and Undy a viable proposition.
- Local opinion survey shows 98% support for the new station and 90% believe they would use it.
- Manager of First Great Western’s central region invites us to a review meeting and agrees that Magor and Undy should be included in future timetable planning.
- Welsh Government’s ‘Train Team’ ask us to input to their draft National Transport Plan.
- Monmouthshire County Council show Magor and Undy station as being a ‘high priority’ in its draft Strategic Transport Plan.
- A three minute film, professionally made by Quadrant Media and Communications, is completed for inclusion in the Crowdfunder appeal. You can get a sneak preview by clicking here.
We expect to formally launch our Crowdfunder Appeal on either the 19th or 26th of this month and are really hoping that everyone who is interested in seeing the station opened can pledge £5 or more towards the feasibility study. There are some imaginative ‘rewards’ involved that could enable your name to go down in history!
Paul
