Don raises Corsham station in Commons

4.59.07pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 24th May 2005

Speaking today in the House of Commons, Bath's MP, Don Foster, pressed the Minister on the continuing failure to re-open Corsham Station, a measure which could significantly ease the traffic congestion along the London Road.

Commenting, Don said,

"There is so much support for re-opening Corsham Station, and the continuing absence of progress displays a lack of political will on the Government's part.

"Around 1500 people from Corsham commute into places such as Bath every day, and with the number of homes there expected to increase by over 1000 in the next five years, the case is even stronger.

"When it can take over an hour in the morning to travel by bus or car into Bath from Corsham, whereas a rail journey would be just 8 minutes, the Government must accept that the re-opening of Corsham station has a vital part to play in sustaining the economic growth of this area, and in addressing the traffic problems on the eastern side of the City.

"I am, however, pleased that the Minister has now agreed to a meeting, and I look forward to working with other interested parties to regain the momentum on this crucial development.