Minister backs train station revival (From Wiltshire Times)

Minister backs train station revival

12:11pm Thursday 15th March 2007 in Corsham By John Ballard

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to re-open Corsham train station feel they are back on track after Defence Secretary Des Browne gave his support to the project.

In a letter to North Wiltshire MP James Gray, Mr Browne said re-opening the station, which closed in 1964, would be of major benefit to workers at the Defence Communication Services Agency, which is a major employer in the town.

His letter said: "The re-opening of the Corsham railway station would be an invaluable addition to the spectrum of public transport available in the Corsham area and would be welcomed by the Agency."

Mr Gray wrote to the Defence Secretary on behalf of Peter Davis a Corsham town councillor, North Wiltshire district councillor and county councillor who has been campaigning to bring the station back for more than 20 years.

It closed in the 1960s as a casualty of the Beeching cuts, which meant that all small railway stations that were not cost effective were axed.

Mr Davis said: "I'm overjoyed with the response from Des Browne, and I've written back to James Gray asking for advice on what the next move should be.

"A train station in Corsham would be used not only by the MoD but other people going to work, children and it would just help the whole community.

"You would not believe the number of people in Corsham that say to me if only we could open the station we could get rid of one of our cars.

"Although I could not say when I think Corsham station might re-open, I'm confident it will happen and I hope it will be sooner rather than later."

A few years ago campaigners were close to getting their wish of the station being re-opened, but it had to be put on the back burner after the Strategic Rail Authority decided to axe the Bristol-Oxford line that would have served Corsham station.

Mr Gray said: "I was delighted to receive a reply to my letter to Defence Secretary Des Browne regarding the possibility of re-opening Corsham railway station.

"I have taken the view for some time, along with many of my constituents who have campaigned for the re-opening of the station, that it would prove beneficial for the growth of Corsham both as a town, but also as a strategic centre for UK defence - as Corsham is recognised to be by the MoD."

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