I have a report from about 5 years ago that's talking about 8 options for rail services through West Wilts - including things like an hourly Swindon to Radstock with 2 trains, or a Chippenham to Warminster that could be done with just 1.

Sad we didn't get it so that business is already being lost ... just today in my inbox from a customer: I hope to borrow the car so that i can drive down and back in a day. It takes 2 hours each way if i take the train to Melksham.

Doubly sad, that I estimate that the losses First will make on the "withered arm" service they're proposing from December will be more than the forecast negative pricing on Swindon to Radstock. And at what price on passenger inconvenience, traffic jams, and environmental damage?