The following response comes to my request for route availability information, and my request for clarification of the statement that the improvements that were on teh table for this December were squashed by Network Rail

Graham
 
I have been passed your email to Dave Ward and I have discussed the matter with FGW.
 
At the present time Network rail is aware that FGW are working hard to resource extra services on this route section that were lost following the introduction of the December 2006 timetable.
 
There are no additional constraints on track capacity in the Swindon area but clearly a workable pathway interwoven with the current high speed and freight services might be difficult to obtain if the train resources are only available at certain times of the day.
 
At present there are some draft proposals that FGW are hoping to finalise for the May 2008 timetable and we will work with them should they be able to reintroduce services on this route section.
 
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.
 
 
 
Richard C Cole
Customer Relationship Executive (FGW)
Network Rail
125 House
Swindon
SN1 1GW