Town fighting to restore direct trains to London

People have urged transport bosses to reinstate train services between a west Wiltshire town and London.

Passengers had previously been able to travel from Bradford-on-Avon to London Waterloo until the route, which went via Salisbury, was axed in 2021.

A consultation has now been launched by South Western Railway (SWR) to ask people what they would like to see changed about current services; a development which has heartened campaigners.

Sam Blackwell, mayor of Bradford-on-Avon, told Radio Wiltshire. "It is encouraging. They are taking ideas and trying to understand what changes passengers want from the timetable."

A spokesperson for SWR and Network Rail Wessex said "all feedback" is welcomed as part of a "timetable refresh".

Blackwell is among those who have backed West Wiltshire Rail User Group's campaign to restore direct train services between Bradford-on-Avon and the capital.

The group says bringing the services back would make journeys easier, especially for older people and those with mobility needs, while supporting local businesses, tourism and sustainable travel.

Blackwell continued: "We currently have a regular service which goes down to Salisbury, stops there and then comes back. There is also an SWR existing service which goes from Salisbury to London Waterloo.

"Part of this proposal would ask the rail operators to look at joining those services up."

The mayor said reinstating the route would also benefit other stations such as Trowbridge and Keynsham.

Graham Ellis, a transport campaigner based in Melksham, said he believed there would not be large costs associated with getting the service up and running again.

He added: "There is a train which runs from Bristol to Salisbury and we're simply saying connect that up with the train from Salisbury to London.

"Sure there is timetable planning and likely consultation costs, but we aren't looking for any extra trains."

Meanwhile, Wiltshire Council has said it would "strongly welcome" the introduction of a direct service between west Wiltshire and London.

Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "We have already committed to promoting new railway stations at Devizes, Corsham and Wilton, as well as a new platform at Westbury, and will continue to work closely with local partners, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and train operators to secure better rail services and strengthen connectivity across Wiltshire."

Brian Mathew, MP for Melksham and Devizes, said he "fully supports" reinstating the service.

"Restoring through trains would be a practical and cost-effective step to improve access to jobs and education, support local tourism and deliver a more connected railway for passengers," he added.

A SWR spokesperson every suggestion will be carefully reviewed as we balance enhancing connectivity and meeting demand.

"Responses will be provided through the formal consultation process at the appropriate time," they added.

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