I was delighted at the flurry of letters in response to the recent article ‘ Could Penarth Station be on the move?’ (August 21). Provoking comment was exactly my intention in alerting local residents, through The Penarth Times, to initial discussions about electrification of the local railways already taking place with Network Rail.

Political coverage often focuses on short-term decisions and debate but perhaps more important are the medium and long-term future of our town and the need to explore innovative solutions to challenges we face. While a priority has to be continued and improved in train services from Penarth, they should also be linked to effective bus services.

It is why some of the other conversations I have had include a cross-barrage bus service and services that connect the key areas of our town such as the town centre, Esplanade and Barrage. While we work to deliver these improvements it would seem a good idea to explore all possible benefits to the town of any associated development work. An extended railway line to Lower Penarth and beyond as suggested in one letter would have my support but sadly I do not see a realistic prospect of it being achieved.

It is early days in terms of electrification and the Cardiff Metro proposal but if we enter the conversation too late we risk losing potential additional benefits for our town. I would welcome any further comment either through the Penarth Times or direct to me.

Lis Burnett

Penarth and Vale Councillor for St Augustines

Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Innovation, Planning and Transportation