Hopes of museum honour for Laura Ashley

Since her arrival in Mid Wales from Kent in the 1960s, the iconic designer's association with the village of Carno will never be severed.

She is buried in the small churchyard along with her late husband Bernard, not far from where they set up a factory that was to launch their worldwide fashion business.

Jeremy Barnes, of Carno Station Action Group, said residents were keen to establish a museum in her name at Carno Station.

Enthusiasts are working towards reopening the building as a working railway station, with a cafe and tourist information centre, on the Cambrian line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.

Mr Barnes said: "We are hoping to get Wales Economy Secretary Ken Skates to spend some of his £8.3 million Visit Wales budget in Mid Wales and to shine a light on us.

"There is tremendous support for this idea locally where there is a real fondness for Laura Ashley and what she achieved.

"The station would enable many people to commute by train, rather than use their cars. The building is in a good condition generally, it just needs refurbishment and remodelling.

"We were delighted to meet regional assembly member Eluned Morgan last week to discuss the case for reopening the station in the village, which provides a lifeline to residents and small businesses in Carno and, with no bus service in the evening, young people without cars are unable to get to town."

Carno Station was closed in the 1960s as part of Dr Beeching's closure programme and the buildings now form part of the former Laura Ashley factory.

The action group has campaigned for the station reopening, or a new station, for many years. Currently, the construction of the station has been pencilled in for the medium term but more assessment of timetable issues has to be carried out.

The 1970s were halcyon days for Laura Ashley as the world became hooked.