TransWilts Railway CRP given the green light

Long-held ambitions for a Community Rail Partnership (CRP) for the Trans-Wilts Railway between Westbury and Swindon have been confirmed by Rail Minister Paul Maynard.

Great Western Railway (GWR) will work with the CRP - which comprises local organisations, train operators, Wiltshire Council, rail users and other groups - to develop and improve services and facilities on the 32-mile route. Chippenham and Melksham stations will also come under the CRP’s remit.

“I am delighted that the TransWilts route between Westbury and Swindon is being recognised in this way,” said GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood.

“Building on the six new TransWilts services launched in December 2013, we were very pleased to introduce a further two services in May, working in partnership with Wiltshire Council and the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership. I know they will continue to go from strength to strength following the decision to designate the line, and I offer my sincere congratulations to all involved.”

• For more on the story, read RAIL 811, published on October 12.