Network Rail has produced its Wiltshire Rail Strategic Study, which sets out plans for the future.

Wiltshire Council has welcomed the study, which points out that better links to the likes of Birmingham and Oxford are needed.

The study says that the current system lacks direct and frequent services, especially on north/south routes.

Other key recommendations are enhancements to local services, especially those via Melksham, new railway stations at Devizes and Corsham, upgrades to infrastructure and new services between Wiltshire and key hubs.

“We welcome this wide-ranging Network Rail report, which looks to improve connectivity and transport links in Wiltshire and beyond. It follows the business cases developed by Wiltshire Council under the previous government’s Restoring your Railway scheme.

“It also supports our county’s sustainable economic and population growth, helping the county to expand sustainably, while also improving regional connectivity, and boosting both passenger numbers and freight use of the railways.

“However, there is a still a long way to go before the objectives of this study can be realised, and Network Rail will now begin detailed analysis of the proposals before taking forward business cases to progress these projects.

“Ensuring we have well-connected communities is a key part of our Business Plan, and a growing Wiltshire rail network will help us to deliver on this. Rail is also a key part of our forthcoming Local Transport Plan, which looks to provide genuine travel choices while also reducing carbon emissions.

“We will continue to work with both Network Rail and other partners to take these projects forward and will keep lobbying Government to invest in rail improvements throughout Wiltshire.”

Cllr Tamara Reay, Cabinet Member for Transport