A MOTION is set to go before full council this evening which could lead to the re-examination of plans to open a commuter railway station at Mouldon Bridge.

The proposal, being put forward by Coun Toby Elliott (Con, Priory Vale), calls for the establishment of a new working group to look at long-term transport plans for the rapidly growing town.

In the last 20 years, Swindon’s population has grown by more than 50,000 and with the several major housing projects planned there is set to be a similar level of growth again.

The Future Transport Infrastucture Group would be able to look at any long-term options to serve the increased demand.

Included are plans to look again at old schemes to build a new railway station to serve commuters who live in north and West Swindon.

In 2006 Network Rail drew up plans for a new railway station to be sited at Mouldon Bridge, also known as Sparcells.

This station was designed to also serve as the new terminus for the Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Coun Elliott has said while the group will be looking at all options, he will be pushing for the station, which he believes will be vital for the future of the town.

He said: “Additional housing places a strain on our transport networks and we need to investigate how new infrastructure could mitigate this.

“I will be championing a new commuter station at Mouldon Bridge as I believe it offers the best solution for getting people to their destinations; whether it be our town centre of further afield.

“However, no options will be off the table.

“The council is already working on our road plans, including the Thamesdown Drive extension and other options.

“The working group would supplement this work, not replace it.

“ A one size fits all approach to transport infrastructure plans very rarely works and we need to be planning for the future now.”

As well as developing plans for future transport needs, the group would also be responsible for looking at sourcing funds to move ahead.

The full meeting will take place at the Civic Offices tonight Also on the agenda is a Labour proposal to support firefighters in their pension battle.

Vision of trams in town fell through

A NEW railway station is not the first idea to help transform transport services in Swindon.

In 2000, a £350m vision for the future of the town was commissioned by Swindon Council and completed by urban planners, Shillam and Smith.

The plans included a completely revamped town centre linked via a modern tram system, as well as a science and education park on sites at North Star and Old Town.

A presentation was given by project director Wendy Shillam, a partner at the firm, outlining what could come to pass in the next 30 years - leading up to 2030.

And while many had constructive criticism for elements of the 30-year scheme, the overall feeling was one of excitement.

The blueprint projected a vision of the how the town could look but, although most of the plans were touted as achievable within a decade, many never happened.