WESTBURY Town Council is writing to the Secretary of State to outline their concerns over the future of high speed rail services from Westbury to London.
Councillors David Jenkins and Gordon King brought their concerns to the town council, saying that the Department of Transport’s Great Western franchise replacement consultation (which is now closed) does not specifically require the continuation of high speed through rail services between Westbury and London.
They believe this would effectively downgrade the Great Western mainline east of Newbury (the Berks and Hants line) from a high speed route to a semi-fast route, inconveniencing commuters and increasing journey times to and from London.
The councillors say that Westbury’s good railway links have encouraged commuters to London to choose the town as their home, adding value to the local economy and underpinning house prices. It also encourages business and employers in the local area to chose Westbury, given the good connections to the capital.
Cllr David Jenkins says, “It was agreed that I should write a letter, together with the town clerk, to the Secretary of State, outlining our objections concerning the reduction of high speed trains to London. We’ve done that, stressing the importance of the service to London and the effects that downgrading the service would have. It would have a detrimental effect on businesses and the community and the local economy.
“We’ve had the car parks affected negatively, the bypass may or may not happen, but if the rail services are affected that will be another whammy for the town.”
Former Westbury mayor Horace Prickett in a letter to White Horse News said the proposed changes would be a ‘disaster for Westbury’. “If the Train Service Requirement (TSR) under the new franchise goes ahead, through London services will end. Only a shuttle service to/from towns west of Bedwyn/ Newbury will exist. Services will terminate at Newbury, with a change of train for onward travel to London. This is all part of the plan to electrify the main line to Newbury.
“This will be a disaster for Westbury. Westbury is a key hub route for the West Wilts area, serving a large commuter belt and there are many travellers who go to London and Reading each day through this service. Good rail services are vital for the economic wellbeing of the town and the convenience of its citizens.
“The effects of the new services will be felt in December 2014, but Westbury must act now if it wishes to preserve its train services and enhance its economic wellbeing and the two cannot be separated. We have all seen the recent government fiasco with the West Coast Mainline services, and their failure to get it right. Westbury residents must act now if the properties and facilities they now enjoy are not to be reduced.”
