The steelworks is the sole reason why the railway is still present in the valley

Peter Clark, Rail Development Society Wales

But the isolated position of Ebbw Vale and high unemployment levels has caused particular concern, with many concerned at the prospect of attracting new employment to the area.

In the 1960s, the plant there employed 14,500 people and the beginning of the end began when steel production ended there.

The steel mills which closed in the 1980s were later replaced with trees as the site of a national garden festival.

Vital link

The rail pressure group said its proposal to re-open the line between Newport, Cardiff, Ebbw Vale and Abertillery was essential for the economic prospects of the Ebbw Valley.

The group's chairman, Peter Clark, said good public transport links were vital to help the community.

"The railway between Newport and Ebbw Vale should be re-opened without delay to help with the regeneration of the area," he said.

"We are writing to the National Assembly, urging it to include the Ebbw Vale rail re-opening scheme in whatever aid package it draws up to assist in regeneration of what is already a socially-deprived area."

Mr Clark added: "The steelworks is the sole reason why the railway is still present in the valley.

"We will campaign for retention of the track if there is still no commitment to restoring passenger trains, by the time the steelworks close."