RAIL campaigners in west Wiltshire have given mixed reactions to First Great Western's 2008 timetable, despite the company's claims it will deliver significant service improvements' for customers.

The timetable, which comes into force on December 9, was unveiled on Monday, and features a number of changes affecting passengers in the district.

The major changes include some services from Gloucester being re-routed to Westbury, Weymouth and Brighton, while the number of trains running between Bristol and Westbury is to be increased.

Trains with more seats are being introduced on services to Westbury and there will be re-timed and extra trains on the Bristol to Warminster line, as well as alterations to services at Warminster and Dilton Marsh, and additional stops at Bradford on Avon by Portsmouth to Cardiff services.

Weekday trains to and from Melksham are unchanged in the new timetable, but there will be the return of a southbound Sunday service for the town.

Graham Ellis, who runs a campaign to get better train services to and from Melksham, said: "Weekday trains at Melksham remain at the two services per day, so they are still timed at First's operational convenience, using the train off the Stroud Valley line when it's not wanted there, which is very disappointing indeed.

"The return of a southbound Sunday service, calling at Melksham in the early evening, is one good piece of news. This means residents of Melksham can get back to the town, after spending the weekend away, by public transport."

Roger Newman, from the West Wiltshire Rail Users Group, recognises positive and negative aspects to the new timetable.

He said: "An increase in the number of express trains stopping at Bradford on Avon is a good point, but some changes, like services from Gloucester being re-routed to Westbury, will not really bring improvements."

Both Mr Ellis and Mr Newman also highlighted the leasing of rolling stock and relying on older trains as bad news for passengers.

First Great Western however, insists the changes are good news.

Tom Stables, the company's commercial director, said: "First Great Western used the customer feedback from the December 2006 timetable to make significant improvements to the new timetable.

"We believe the new timetable will address many of the suggestions received from customers, stakeholders, MPs and Welsh Assembly members."