CHEPSTOW train station needs more car parking spaces and better commuter links if it is to increase its appeal to users, according to a report.

The report produced by Capita Symonds on behalf of Monmouthshire Council's Transport department, revealed what many campaigners and local councillors have been citing for years - that the town's train station was in serious need of new provisions including increased car parking facilities, a better integrated bus service and a solution to the notorious traffic issues associated with Hardwick Hill.

At a recent Lower Wye Area Committee, councillors met to receive a presentation by the council's Head of Transport, Mark Youngman. During the meeting, councillors highlighted many of the common complaints received by them from local residents, businesses and commuters.

St Mary's Ward councillor, Jacqui Sullivan, who has been instrumental in campaigning for an increased service at the station along with BetterTrains4Chepstow, told the meeting how many people could not rely on using the station to commute as accessing it meant "taking a risk" when it came to catching connections or finding somewhere to park.

Mark Youngman advised the meeting of a number of proposals outlined by the authority to remedy the issues including building a bus terminal at the station with a car park behind the station, as well as adapting the junction of Nelson Street.

Thornwell Councillor, Armand Watts expressed his concerns that none of the outlined proposals directly targeted the additional issue of traffic congestion.

He said: "The housing development included in the LDP plan, which will see 400 odd houses being built in Station Road, clearly states that there will be an additional 3,000 more traffic movements in the town.

"The current infrastructure is already incapable of coping and it will become impracticable for commuters to access the station at key times of the day."