Wootton Bassett train station could be reopened

Wootton Bassett train station operated for 125 years until its closure in 1965

A proposed Swindon to Salisbury railway route could see Wootton Bassett train station reopened.

Campaigners from the Trans Wilts Rail Organisation are working to get the service reinstated and are now putting together a survey calling for rail improvements in the county.

Wessex Chambers of Commerce, TransWilts Community Rail and Wiltshire Council are sponsoring the TransWilts Rail proposal.

It is hoped the service could be operational by 2012.

The aim of the proposal is to enhance transport links in the region and offer an alternative to road transport.

The line would be operated by First Great Western with links to rail services to the South West, South Wales, Midlands and London.

It would serve nine stations between Salisbury and Swindon including Wootton Bassett.

1965 closure

Wootton Bassett had its own train station from 1840 until 1965 when the Great Western Railway was nationalised and over 2,000 local train stations around the country were controversially closed by British Railways chairman, Dr Richard Beeching.

Wiltshire councillor responsible for public transport, Richard Gamble, is confident the station can be restored reasonably easily.

"Whether it would go on the old site or not is still to be judged," he said.

There's much evidence to show that local economic development can be much encouraged by a good rail service Richard Gamble, Wiltshire Council

"The indication we've had from Network Rail is that its entirely possible and not wildly expensive, so I'm quite encouraged by it."

Mr Gamble also believes that the local economy could benefit greatly from the proposed train route being reinstated.

"There's much evidence to show that local economic development can be much encouraged by a good rail service," he said.

"It would bring businesses into towns if they know that there's a good railway service there. And it stops businesses leaving towns if there's not a railway service there that's satisfactory."

Further information is available from the TransWilts website. Members of the public are asked to complete an online survey about the proposals. The deadline for survey responses is 18 February.