"""Graham Ellis, Melksham resident and active campaigner on this issue, called a meeting on Monday 5th March to discuss Train/Public Transport within West Wiltshire and beyond.

The packed "Save the Train" meeting (including, senior local politicians and other related organisation members), called on First Great Western, The Department for Transport and Wiltshire County Council to provide an appropriate train service from Swindon to Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury,Frome, Warminster, Salisbury and the south Coast.  This line links the major and growing population centres of West Wiltshire and Somerset to Swindon, but currently carries only 2 trains a day, from Swindon at 06:19 and 18:42. 
Prior to December 2006, a service of 5 trains per day each way was provides, timed to suit passenger needs.

First have indicated a willingness to operate a more appropriate service, and "Save the train" have held direct discussions with the Department for Transport in London, which have helped to formulate which options are likely to be supported. Wiltshire County Council has yet to offer necessary substantive support for the proposals.

Without public and political support Great Western have indicated that there would be no room to manoeuvre or debate for increased passenger services within the District and beyond. The County Council's relative inaction is ridiculous as the Transport Authority they have a duty to provide transport as best as possible for the residents of Wiltshire. Yet the Government is clearly placing pressure on all to become more sustainable and green.
 
"Save the Train" official group members and interested residents across the District, will be lobbying at West Wiltshire District Council's extraordinary meeting, at which representatives from great Western, Dept of Transport and others have been invited to attend to explain and be accountable to West Wiltshire District Council and local residents, on March 20th (7 p.m., Council Chamber, Bradley 
Road) and asks everyone with a concern to attend, and encourages media coverage."""

ENDS

"Save the Train" - http://www.savethetrain.org.uk
Further information is available from:
Graham Ellis (Chair) (West Wilts)  graham@wellho.net
Nick Field (Chippenham) nickfield1@yahoo.co.uk
Ruth Grundy (Frome) ruthgrundy@letterboxes.org