As well as Melksham, the stations at Dean and Dunbridge (on the Salisbury to Southampton section of the current service) also fac draconian cuts;  there's a furrory starting up down there now (Full article from loacl paper) and I note that First wrote ...

First's managing director, Alison Forster, said: "Unfortunately, the Dunbridge and Dean line is one of the routes where the new Department for Transport specification requires that we run fewer services than currently provided - reduced by them to three trains from Southampton and two trains from Westbury. We did not seek to reduce services from Dunbridge, but we were required to set a timetable based on the DfT service level commitment, and it is this timetable that we are now asking local authorities, stakeholders and our customers to comment on. Once this is complete we will be in a position to review where we need to seek permission for changes from the DfT. The final decision will be theirs, if they do not accept the changes we cannot run more services than they allow.

Much of this is in common with what the lady has told us, but I do note the commitment to review and seek permission from the DfT for change.

First have requested inputs on th edraft timetable by 8th March; Ms Forster's wordss above confirm that it IS worthwile making sure that logical and constructive comments to First group concerning replacement of services on the former Swindon to Southampton route.

Here is some more reaction from Dean - East Dean Parish Council - copied to me.  I'm afraid the story looks rather familiar

We note the comments in the local press by FGW Managing Director: - Mrs Alison Forster that FGW were required to set the timetable based on the Department of Transport (DfT) service level commitment. However, train services departing Dean at 07:54, 19:30 to Romsey / Southampton and departing 09:46, 15:47 and 20:42 to Salisbury / Westbury, are clearly not very practical timings. It appears that FGW has focused on achieving compliancy with the DfT‘s requirements laid down in their ITT, rather than giving consideration to the needs of the existing customers or any potential new customers who would be encouraged to use a regular and reliable train service! The current timetable operated by Wessex Trains transferring to FGW from 1 April 06 until the change in December ’06, at least caters for the basic needs of getting to and from work, travel to attend school and for those people without transport, a practical return journey pattern to Romsey, Salisbury or Southampton

Actually, I listened to Alison Forster address a meeting in Taunton yesterday and I think that the people of Dean and Dunbridge do have a good chance of getting additional services to stop there.  Current target is to write in by 8th March in response to the consultation request and with constructive critisms and suggestions.   For example, the East Dean folks added:

This could be achieved by Cardiff – Portsmouth – Cardiff services calling at these stations as is the case at present or, by reinstatement of the Swindon Melksham -Westbury – Salisbury