A project to re-open St Clears railway station has won funding from the UK Government.

The St Clears station was closed in 1964 following the Beeching cuts at the time, but efforts to reopen it have been ongoing for over 50 years.

A renewed ‘Next Stop St Clears’ campaign calling for the town to have its station restored was launched earlier this year, with those behind it stating that a re-opening of the facility would bring many benefits - including social inclusion, reducing carbon footprint and increased tourism in the area.

After it was announced this week that that the project to reopen the station has won funding from UK Government, MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Simon Hart said: “I am delighted that this project has been recognised as vital to this part of Wales.

“I must admit that there have been times during the 10 years we’ve been campaigning that I thought we were banging our head against a brick wall.

“The feasibility study was completed five years ago and we had an overwhelmingly positive response to a questionnaire that we sent out in conjunction with St Clears Town Council last year, but it was competing against other projects for funding.

“Transport Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has announced that up to £4.7 million will be provided towards the project with work expected to be completed by 2024.

“This will make a massive difference to the many commuters, shoppers and students who travel from the area, as well as being a big boost for the town,” he added.