[Part of my complete update ... reposted here for comment]

3. At the AGM of the Melksham Rail Development Group (yesterday evening), Andrew Griffiths of First Great Western told that FGW have no extra resources to make available from this December, BUT they have worked up a draft timetable that would take out 3 duplicated trains south of Salisbury (the Southampton stoppers that would, if they remained, double up on the new SWT local service) and use those trains instead to run from Salisbury up to Swindon and back.    I've not seen details, but I understand it looks excellent for the morning, and unravels a bit later in the day.    Andrew confirmed crew shortages - that even if they hired another train, they would not have the drivers, who it takes a year to train.  Andrew also confirmed that extra freight is using the line via Melksham, and that this could start to limit available paths for passenger trains

[[Aside - I applaud First in pushing this timetable forward, the DfT in their new and serious look, and the County for their actions and help too. All acknowledge this as being a step in the right direction rather than a final solution - perhaps that will come at December 2008?]]