Council backs doubling of trains in Gloucestershire (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

Council backs doubling of trains in Gloucestershire

June 26, 2008 2:18 PM

Liberal Democrat plan wins Council backing.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) is currently consulting on its draft intentions for rail services for the coming five years including several projects that affect Gloucestershire. The Liberal Democrats called on the council to issue a response which would transform Gloucestershire's economic fortunes, by increasing access between the county and London, and enable more intercity trains to stop at Gloucester, improving connections to the Midlands and the South West.

The Kemble - Swindon line used to be double tracked. Reducing it to single track, at the time seen as an improvement, constrains the number of trains per hour which can travel between London and Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham. Reinstating this, which is supported by Network Rail, would allow four trains per hour to make the journey in each direction, bringing Gloucestershire businesses within easier reach of the capital. It would also encourage a switch to rail travel in the county, and would impact everyone who lives here.

The motion also called for support for improvements to the Bristol - Birmingham mainline, which would allow Gloucester to be reinstated as a regular stop in the county in addition to Cheltenham.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucestershire County Council Liberal Democrats, said: "Improvements to the rail network in Gloucestershire are critical to encouraging more people to travel by train. A double track from Kemble to Swindon will improve services to London. Similarly, line improvements on the Bristol Birmingham line should encourage more long distance trains to stop at Gloucester again."

John Cordwell, the County's Liberal Democrat spokesperson on rail issues, said "It is shocking that the ORR proposals have left redoubling of the Swindon-Kemble line without funding. This project is vital to the county's economy and also to the smooth running of both freight and passenger transport because of the diversionary route it provides when other routes to South Wales and Southampton are not available."

He continued "The much reduced level of funding being proposed for the Bristol-Birmingham line would not allow the full benefits of the Network Rail scheme in terms of improved reliability, journey time savings and additional capacity which would enable more station stops. I am delighted the motion received unanimous approval.