29.06.12
£4.25m grant to fund Wiltshire rail improvements
Wiltshire is set to see improved services and stations along its rail network, with £4.25m Government funding secured. Wiltshire council successfully bid for the money, from part of £40m available.
The £4.25m will fund more regular services betweenSwindonand Westbury, station improvements and work to synchronize bus services with rail connections. Two trains currently run each way on the line between Westbury andSwindon, stopping at Trowbridge, Melksham and Chippenham.
Cllr Dick Tonge, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We are delighted that we have been successful in securing this government funding which will make a positive improvement to our rail services in the county.
“Improved train services and better access to stations will mean less people using the car and a boost for local businesses as the county will have even better transport connections.
“This grant is seed money to get the service started, the long term success of this project will depend on the number of passengers using it. We will be entering negotiations with the rail company as soon as we have the details of the grant.”
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