FUNDING has been secured for a Bristol mass transit feasibility study that would include a spur link to Bath.

At a recent meeting, TramForward learned that the West of England Combined Authority will give £1.95 million to develop a feasibility and business case study for a tram system in Bristol and Bath.

Mark Shelford, Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) Cabinet Member for Transport, reported the system will include the spur from Bristol to Bath and villages and towns in between.

A further tranche of £450,000 has been secured from WECA to investigate the Bath mass transit study looking at all options including trams.

This follows a study commissioned by BANES from consultants Atkins, which indicated that there were “no show stoppers” for the development of tram lines in Bath.

TramForward believes Bath Trams has helped to persuade Government that a system can be viable and can help to reduce congestion and improve both connectivity and the environment.

Jim Harkins, chairman of the LRTA Campaigns Group, said: “This is excellent news and a shot in the arm for campaigners like Dave Andrews, chairman of Bath Trams.

“Light rail has a role in our smaller towns and cities and this grant is the first step towards achieving what others on the continent take for granted.”