Pewsey Train Watch has welcomed a Department of Transport decision to investigate the electrification of the mainline services from Newbury to Westbury but remains concerned about disappearing trains in the future.
“We do know that electrification is now being discussed,” Train Watch spokesman Karl Lloyd told Marlborough News Online. “This, in itself, is good news though it almost certainly doesn’t answer the question of our disappearing services.
“We will give a full update once we’ve spoken with our MP Claire Perry and our next course of action will be determined by our discussions with her tonight (Wednesday).”
Mrs Perry met Simon Burns yesterday together with neighbouring MPs Richard Benyon and Andrew Murrison to pass on the fears of thousands of commuters who use the main rail line to Paddington, whose franchise is up for renewal.
They questioned why proposed electrification was stopping at Newbury given the urgent need for through train links that inevitbly benefit the economy.
A dossier of evidence backing the present services from Pewsey and Great Bedwyn stations was presented to Mr Burns by Mrs Perry.
And the three MPs were told that while the controversial current franchise process is on hold, Mr Burns will now instruct the Department of Transport to investigate the option of extending rail electrification from Newbury to Westbury.
“This renewed focus on our vital rail links should help to emphasise the importance of the local services when the franchise bidding process is re-started,” said Mrs Perry.
“If we can get electrification then connectivity and journey times will be improved. This is a great step forward.”
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