We now head into a new year, and are contemplating another push to get the devastating cuts of a couple of years ago reversed, and an appropriate passenger rail service introduced on the TransWilts corridor.

Speaking personally, it has been a very frustrating process. Each year we have seemingly come so close, only to fall at a "final hurdle" very late on in the day.

We do have fears for the future, and we do express them publicly on the forum, along with the obvious negative aspects that the lack of an appropriate service brings. In my opinion, we have a duty to point such things out on behalf of the disenfranchised passengers - past, present and potential - who would use an appropriate TransWilts service if only they could.

However, that's only part of the story.

If you are a DfT civil servant reading this, you may think that the TransWilts service is inadequate, but feel that you were shafted by a flawed decision made by a Strategic Rail Authority which your department abolished because it wasnt fit for purpose. You may feel that you cant back down, and that to do so might be seen as a sign of weakness, or the act of the defeated.

Let me say this - if you approach us with a genuine desire to resolve this issue for the benefit of all concerned, then we will welcome that, with no recriminations.

Come and talk to us. Lets sit down and see if we can work something out.

There is a deal to be done here.

If you are a senior FGW figure reading this, you may also think that the TransWilts service is inadequate, but feel slightly hard done by, given the enormous strides you have made to improve almost every aspect of your operations, including some significant service improvements elsewhere, particularly in Devon & Cornwall. You may feel that despite this, the TransWilts is used as a stick to beat you with, that your reputation will never be fully rehabilitated until the issue is resolved. Your view could well be that it is not a commercial service that can be added to, and you have done all you can to persuade others to intervene instead.

Let me say this - we think that we have the makings of a case that could be of significant commercial benefit, and that our data could greatly assist you in facilitating an appropriate rail service on the TransWilts corridor.

Come and talk to us. Lets sit down and see if we can work something out.

There is a deal to be done here.

If you are one of the movers and shakers at Wiltshire County Council, you may think that the TransWilts service is inadequate, but feel that it is not your role to fund rail services, and that you have done all you can to persuade others to intervene instead. You may feel that to provide financial assistance would open the floodgates for others to demand similar treatment, and that funding rail services would be poor value compared to funding other modes of transport.

Let me say this - we can help you to make a case that would allay the above fears, be excellent value for the Wiltshire taxpayer at around a third of what another council in the FGW area is paying to subsidise a rail service, and would bring enormous benefits to those living along the TransWilts corridor.

Come and talk to us. Lets sit down and see if we can work something out.

There is a deal to be done here.

Finally, if you are a supporter of our campaign - whether past, present or potential - please consider signing up and registering on the forum or, if you prefer slightly less public involvement, contacting us direct via e-mail.

Now more than ever, we really need and would greatly value your input. This applies equally to existing forum members as well - we really do appreciate your continued support.

Lets make 2009 the year where everyone concerned joined forces to get that deal done.