USE of the Heart of Wales railway line by Knighton people would more than double if services were improved ,a Knighton and Presteigne Labour Party survey has found.

Usage would increase by a “whopping” 245 per cent likely if an extra train unit was allocated allowing for a two-hourly service throughout the day and journey times slashed, the rail use survey of 112 households in Knighton indicates.

“This would increase usage at Knighton station from the current 21,000 users per year to 54,0000 users per years and it would pay for the investment by reducing the annual subside on the line by £300,000,” says Tom Taylor from a local group campaigning for infrastructure improvements on the railway line.

“It would also benefit the local economies of the seven towns along the line by an additional £2million in tourist spend,” he added.

Another household survey is being conducted at Llandrindod Wells with similar findings indicated from results so far.

The Knighton survey shows annual fare box revenue would increase by at least £1.43 million if the improvements called for are made, while another £30,000 could be made on fuel, brake wear and other efficiencies annually.

The cost of allocating an extra train unit and crews is £1.4million, so there would be a net reduction in annual subsidy for the line of at least £60,000.

“Upgrading the HoWL and its train service is the most cost effective option and will have huge benefits for the people and economies of the towns on the line.

“If nothing is done, the trains will continue to trundle along at 25mph up and down the track a couple of times a day, serving no particular need or purpose, whilst the taxpayer subsidy will increase,” says the survey report.