THREE brave pupils from Magor Church in Wales Primary School opened last week's full council meeting with a compelling presentation about why Magor should receive a train station.

Mia Norman, Owen James and Tom Cavilla, all 11 years old, addressed a packed County Hall last Thursday (25th June).

After hearing about plans to build a railway station at Magor, the three wrote a letter to Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

In the letter they outlined the benefits a railway station could bring to the area including a reduction in pollution, congestion, car journeys and noise. They also highlighted the positive impact it would have on road safety and transport links to Newport, Cardiff and Bristol.

After receiving the letter chief executive of MCC, Paul Matthews, invited the three pupils to present their desires for a new train station at a full council meeting.

Paul Matthews said: "When these three wonderful people wrote me a letter, it didn't justify a response, it justified a lot more.

"They produced an evidence-based approach to a very serious issue and they put their points across to councillors in a compelling way. It was an outstanding, wonderful presentation."

The school has been active in its fundraising for the new station, with pupils raising £200 by bringing loose change to school.

A campaign to restore a railway station to the community was set up two years ago when the Magor Action Group on Rail (MAGoR) was formed. Since then, the group has raised £4,000 and received wide support from the community.

Paul Turner, a member of MAGoR, was in attendance and called the children "inspirational".

For more information on the campaign to reintroduce a railway station to Magor, visit: http://www.magor">www.magor

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