£30m valley's rail link go-ahead

An opening ceremony had to be cancelled due to engineering issues

A new Ebbw Vale to Cardiff rail link has been given the green light to start after engineering problems led to the official opening being postponed.

But passengers have still not been told when they can use the £30m line. Train drivers will first be given training to get used to the new link.

A final inspection was held over the weekend after final engineering issues were resolved.

Blaenau Gwent Council has now handed over the track to Network Rail.

A meeting was held between Blaenau Gwent Council, the assembly government and contractors Capita Symonds and Amey Construction after a planned ceremony last Fridayt marking the handover was called off.

Robin Morrison, the council's chief executive, said a final inspection of the line was held over the weekend.

"The outstanding issues have been resolved and we are pleased to say that Network Rail can now integrate the line into the national rail network," he said.

"Network Rail will also liaise with Arriva Trains Wales to determine a timetable for route familiarisation training for train drivers before the introduction of the new passenger service," he added.

It is thought that no passenger trains will run for at least two weeks.