Time to get our train service back on track.
Prospective Lib Dem MP, Duncan Hames, is calling on Network Rail to radically improve the rail service through our part of Wiltshire by rethinking their new 10 year plan.
Duncan said “For too long we’ve been passed over for rail improvements. Trains from Chippenham to Bath and Bristol are often overcrowded, Melksham barely has a rail service, services through Bradford on Avon are in need of increased capacity and Corsham has no station at all! I’m determined to get a decent train service for our towns.”
According to their recently published 10 year plan Network Rail considered putting on more regular services during the day through Melksham, Chippenham and Trowbridge. The proposals included an additional hourly service from Chippenham to Bristol Temple Meads – but Network Rail eventually ditched the idea.
Duncan said “I think Network Rail needs to rethink this decision. If we are to encourage more people to use public transport we desperately need more trains. An extra hourly service from Bristol to Chippenham could also stop at Corsham - giving the town back it’s much needed train service. We also need to increase the peak capacity of services through Bradford on Avon to allow more people to use them and to be sure of getting a seat. ”
Network Rail have said they would consider going ahead if extra money could be found to help with the cost of adapting Chippenham Station. Duncan Hames is calling on Wiltshire Council to help meet these costs.
“The Conservatives who lead Wiltshire Council have told us that they want a better train service for Wiltshire but, so far, have failed to make it happen. If they mean what they say it’s time for them to put their money or that of major house-builders where their mouth is.” Duncan added.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:59 pm
My husband has to use the train to get into Bristol. Mostly there are a lot of unused first class carriages and only a few second class. It is often so over crowded that the commuters call the First Great Western train cattle class. In fact he commented that cattle wouldn’t be allowed to be treated like these passengers. He has to be dropped off at Chippenham because there isn’t a station at Corsham. In addition with the new MoD office, building a station there would be most useful.