SOUTH Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies and Vale Conservative Assembly candidate Ross England visited Barry Rail Centre recently to meet Managing Director John Buxton and volunteers Martin Hope and Kathryn Kemp.

John has worked in the industry for many years and is currently assisting Network Rail with the electrification of the South Wales Main Line, which will make huge improvements to the transport connections to the Vale. His ultimate aim is for the Centre to provide maintenance services for the line once the project is complete.

The Centre also provides vocational courses in conjunction with Cardiff and Vale College, providing young people with the skills they need to become the next generation of railway engineers.

The beginning of August saw the first excursion service to Barry Island in more than 20 years, with a train running to the Tourist Railway from London Paddington. These have the potential to bring many new visitors to the Island, and Andrew and Ross are keen for them to become a regular fixture.

Andrew RT Davies said: “Barry Rail Centre is a fantastic facility in the Vale that has huge potential. John is very experienced and is clearly very passionate about what he does.

“It is great to see they are looking to expand by providing the maintenance services for electrification, offering more apprenticeships and running more excursion trains. This will bring huge benefits to the local area and the ambition is tremendous.”

Ross England added: “It was good to visit the Centre and to meet John, Martin and Kathryn. They have a sound vision for the future and their efforts must be applauded.

“The excursion services will prove another invaluable attraction to the Island. The economic benefits will be substantial as part of Barry Island’s renewed success.”