Secretary of State for Transport Phillip Hammond has pledged to look into the state of Whitland station after the topic was raised in the House of Commons by local MP Simon Hart.

The station building, which has been closed for 20 years, is slowly rotting away while the station itself remains a busy key transport hub with frequent rail services that are well used.

Mr Hart has joined Whitland County Councillor Susan Allen, the town council and local traders in calling on the building's leaseholders Network Rail to either spruce up or knock down the building.

Network Rail does have plans to revamp the tatty footbridge and knock down a smaller building but has said that at present there are no plans for the main building.

Mr Hart asked Mr Hammond in a House of Commons debate: "Will you put some pressure on Network Rail about the state of their stations? Whitland station is now in such a deplorable state that it works against people wanting to travel on rail and against attracting tourists to our area."

Mr Hammond said that under plans currently being considered by the Coalition Government, the lease of the station building would be transferred from Network Rail to the train operators.

"Under the revised franchise programme we intend to transfer leasehold ownership of stations to the franchise train operator so that it can have a more direct, hands-on involvement," he explained.

He told Mr Hart he would look into the specific example of Whitland station.

Mr Hart added: "I am delighted that the Secretary of State is taking a personal interest in this situation and am much encouraged by the news about the train operators having a chance to get involved.

"I will be compiling a dossier on Whitland station for Mr Hammond outlining its condition and the views of local residents, the Chamber of Trade and local councillors who have been pressing for action for many years."