THE 'space age' station at Newport in south Wales, which was opened three years ago using a high-tech material also adopted for the Eden Project in Cornwall, is being repaired after its roof developed leaks.

A new overbridge with concourses at each side was opened in September 2010, roofed with air-filled cushions rather like bubble wrap.

Less than three years on puddles have been reported on the overbridge, and Network Rail said 'interface issues' with the roof were being addressed.

Some leaks have been repaired, but two will need an engineers' possession which will affect the lines below.

Network Rail added: "We still have verification works to complete before we are happy that the roof is leak free. The station represented a £20 million investment when it was redeveloped in 2009 and was reopened in time for the 2010 Ryder Cup golf competition. Since then, we became aware of interface issues between some of the materials used in its construction."

Contractors Galliford Try said: "We have rectified the readily accessible leaks identified in the roof with the exception of two which require possession of the line. We will attend to these at the first opportunity."