Archive - Thursday, 4 July 2002


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Access road hopes boosted

BARRY'S newest airport development could be a "springboard" for action on the Port Road link.

Cardiff International Airport managing director John Horne says the decision by no-frill airline bmibaby to set up at the Rhoose site could be a catalyst for new investment in access roads.

Vale of Glamorgan Council has backed his comments, saying it is still "fully committed" to improving access to the airport.

Mr Horne said: "We've been looking at a whole range of issues and access is one of those things. This news from bmibaby gives us a springboard to look at a whole range of developments, including the access road and new railway."

A spokesman for the council said: "The authority is still fully committed to improving access to the airport and continues to press for an improved road which will greatly enhance the airport's competitive prospects.

"The authority is also, of course, continuing with the scheme to reopen the Vale Rail Line to passenger traffic and this includes a new halt at Rhoose."

South Wales Central Assembly Member David Melding welcomed the news, but urged: "It's essential that our area is linked by a modern, direct trunk road and I will continue to put pressure on the government to fund the Cardiff Airport access road."

Vale Assembly Member Jane Hutt added: "This is just the kind of breakthrough we had been waiting for. It's not just great news for the airport, but for the potential passengers, who will have much better access to a whole range of flights.

"I meet regularly with John Horne and know how important an agreement like this is for the future of the airport, which plays a vital role as an economic generator for the whole area."