RAIL users are invited to share their views about the future development of Chippenham railway station.

The TransWilts Chippenham Rail Users Group (CHRUG) held a public meeting to hear GWR plans to upgrade the station and transform the square in front - as part of the wider regeneration of the area, to improve integration with other transport links and to make rail travel more inclusive for vulnerable users.

Luke Farley, assistant regional development manager for the GWR central region, said on Thursday at Chippenham Town Hall that it was important for the business to hear the views of people who used the station.

"We want your input into the regeneration of Chippenham Railway Station square," he said.

TransWilts chairman Paul Johnson welcomed the first opportunity to see GWR plans for Chippenham Station, which he said had 1.6 million passenger journeys going through it each year.

"We want stronger engagement on the railway and its future," he added.

Mr Farley said they wanted to make the forecourt safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and to encourage use of public transport for all.

He put forward ideas such as the introduction of real-time transport information displays, way-finding signage, marked walking routes and an upgrade of the area in the middle of the square to make it an attractive waiting area. Mr Farley also stressed the importance of the station,one of the earliest on the Great Western Railway, in terms of heritage value.

The next steps will involve collecting and assessing data in areas such as usage, car parking, passengers and ticket sales, then drawing up three provisional design options for further discussion. To share views and ideas, email info@transwilts.org with the subject line "Chippenham Station ideas and issues."

The next meeting of the CHRUG will be Thursday April 11 at the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity building in Market Place, from 7pm to 9pm.