Government derails Parkway scheme

Buses would link the new station with the main centres

Controversial plans for a new railway station between Cheltenham and Gloucester have been shelved after the government said it wanted more details.

The Department for Transport told the county council it needed to resolve "a number of outstanding issues" before the £40m Parkway scheme could go ahead.

The proposed development for Elmbridge Court includes a bus link, 500-space car park and new park-and-ride.

Supporters of the scheme said the verdict was a massive set-back.

Closure concerns

There have been concerns that a new station could lead to the closure of one or both of the other two at Gloucester and Cheltenham.

The DfT has asked for commitment to the scheme from train operators.

But Gloucestershire County Council said that was not possible because the government was still in the process of awarding new franchises.

"We urgently need the support of the government to improve transport systems Duncan Jordan, environment director

Environment director Duncan Jordan said: "We're very frustrated that it's the rail part of the bid holding things up, especially when the DfT said in September that they had no further questions on this part of the bid.

"With 30,000 houses planned in the next 20 years for this area, we urgently need the support of the government to improve transport systems.

"We are now considering the best options for local people and will report to Cabinet in June with our recommendations."