Cotswold disappointment as rail improvements hit the buffers

The decision not to install a double rail track between Swindon and Kemble is a bitter blow to the Cotswolds, District Council Leader Cllr Lynden Stowe said today.

The Government-run Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) has announced that the upgrade will not be included in Network Rail's business plan for 2009-14.

The news comes despite a concerted campaign by local councils, commuters and businesses to persuade the Transport Minister that the work was desperately needed. Cllr Stowe said: ”I am bitterly disappointed that the ORR has come to this conclusion. Once again, the voices of rural communities have been ignored. “The dualling of the line between Swindon and Kemble would have a significant impact on the economy and sustainability of our rural District."  “The current single line is bad for business. It is hard enough to attract companies to this part of the country in the best of times. With the global financial downturn, we need all the help we can get to bring inward investment to Gloucestershire. We deserve better than a second-class rail service.”

Cllr Stowe added the decision did nothing to encourage commuters to swap roads for rail. He said: “Business travellers have limited confidence in the rail service between Gloucestershire and London, which is unreliable.  Today’s announcement will not persuade anyone to give up their car in favour of the train. Carbon emissions will continue to increase and our environment, as well as our economy, will suffer.  “I cannot understand how the Government expects Gloucestershire to sustain the extra housing proposed under the Regional Spatial Strategy when it refuses to invest in our rail infrastructure.”  Cllr Stowe said the improvements to the Swindon-Kemble line were also necessary to maintain a viable round-the-clock diversion route into South Wales in the event of mainline disruption.

He said: “I would urge the ORR to think again and we must continue to press for the work to be included in the next stage of rail improvements.”

Source: Cotswold District Council