TRAINS could stop in Magor for the first time in more than half a century if a new campaign is successful.

St David's Day 2018 has been earmarked as the target date for a new station to open by pressure group MAGOR – Magor Action Group on Rail.

The 2018 date is crucial because that is when the franchises to run rail services are renewed and when electrification of the London to Swansea line is due to be completed.

Rail campaigner Phil Inskip told Magor with Undy Community Council : "It is very difficult to make changes in the middle of a franchise period but the new franchise starts in 2018 and that represents an opportunity."

In a presentation to the community council on Monday evening, Ted Hands of the group said they had 14 reasons why the village should have a stop for the first time since the stations at Magor and Undy were closed by Dr Beeching in 1964.

The station could be sited on the main B4245 through Magor behind the proposed community centre – the group has even mocked up what the site could look like with a station.

Mr Hands said a station at Magor would open up the rail network to 9,000 people who live within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride.

Group chairman Mr Laurence Hando added: "We are not looking for a park and ride, we want a central station that people can walk or cycle to.

Mr Hands warned that while electrification of the line represents an opportunity for Magor, it was also a threat.

He said: "With the electrification of the main south Wales line coming, if we miss it in the next few years, we will miss it for generations."

The group estimates that a station with disabled access that meets current standards would cost between £6 million and £7 million.

It also says that a station at Magor could operate alongside Severn Tunnel Junction.

Community support will be vital if the campaign is to be successful, said Mr Inskip.

He said: "There are many communities around Wales that want stations opened so you have to really want it if you are going to be successful."

The action group is planning to hold a public meeting in the near future.