St. Athan railway station

St Athan railway station was a railway station in South Wales.

St Athan
The site of the station in 2009
General information
LocationSt Athan, Vale of Glamorgan
Wales
Coordinates51°24′19″N 3°27′16″W / 51.4052°N 3.4545°W / 51.4052; -3.4545
Platforms2
Other information
StatusDisused
History
Original companyGreat Western Railway
Key dates
1 September 1939opened as St Athan Halt
3 May 1943renamed St Athan
15 June 1964closed

Opening

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When RAF St Athan opened in the late 1930s, it caused the Vale of Glamorgan Line to experience a much-needed surge in traffic.[1] The nearest station was Gileston. Whilst this was convenient for the eastern area of the base, the western part was poorly served.[2] This caused the Great Western Railway to open a new halt on the line. Despite its name, it was over two miles away from St Athan. In 1943, the halt was upgraded to a station to reflect its growing importance. However, many local people still referred to it as 'the halt'.[3]

Description

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St. Athan halt was located to the east of a bridge that carried the former main road between Llantwit Major and Barry. From 1 September 1939, the halt had served the West Camp site of RAF St. Athan and it occupied a very cramped position in a cutting. It changed to 'station' status on 3 May 1943 but along with all Vale of Glamorgan Branch stations closed in June 1964. The booking office was at road level and was linked to both platforms below by long ramps. Each platform had a wooden shelter.[4]

Closure

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The station closed in 1964 when passenger services were withdrawn on the line. Although they were restored in 2005, there is no longer any station at St Athan. In February 2024 it was announced that the UK government has backed a proposal to reopen the Station.[5]


Preceding station   Disused railways   Following station
Gileston   Great Western Railway
Vale of Glamorgan Line
  Llantwit Major

Notes

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  1. ^ Chapman 1998, p. 79
  2. ^ Chapman 1998, p. 79
  3. ^ Chapman 1998, p. 80
  4. ^ Chapman 1998, p. 147
  5. ^ "New railway station backed for the Vale of Glamorgan".

References

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Chapman, Colin (1998) The Vale of Glamorgan Railway The Oakwood Press