Plans to reopen St. Clears railway station 45 years after it closed are gathering speed.

West Carmarthen and South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns and the town council are working together on the plan and hope to win widespread support from nearby communities.

Mrs. Burns, who is also Shadow Regeneration Minister, has now set up a meeting with Network Rail to discuss the idea next month.

"We are also working on setting up a meeting with representatives from all the town and community councils from outlying areas that would benefit from the station reopening," she said.

"We need to work together to submit a strong, coherent bid and we are hopeful that communities such as Laugharne, Pendine, Meidrim, Llanboidy and many more will be supporting us."

The station was shut as part of the railway rationalisation programme of the 1960s.

But there are now plans for nearly 500 new homes in St. Clears as well as many residents who already commute to Carmarthen, Swansea and Haverfordwest. It is estimated that there are 10,000 people living in the catchment area, with that figure rising in the busy summer months.  

The working group is also drawing up a survey which will go out to households in the area.

"St. Clears and its surrounding towns and villages would see a massive benefit from the reopening of the station," added Mrs. Burns.

"It will make it easier for residents to commute and will also bring shoppers to town. Local tourist businesses would also benefit hugely.

"We are all being encouraged to cut our carbon footprint so it makes more sense than ever to reopen the station."