A RAIL users’ group will be set up in Chippenham after dozens of commuters told TransWilts they wanted a way to to give constructive feedback to National Rail and Great Western Railway.

Around 20 people registered their interest for the rail group, which will provide a forum for commuters to voice their opinions and hear the latest plans for Chippenham Station, at a meeting on Friday with TransWilts agreeing to support it.

“We recognised that there are 1.8 million passenger journeys a year from Chippenham and we felt it was time Chippenham has its own user group to provide a forum where people can contact the operators and hear about new plans,” chairman Paul Johnson said. “Chippenham is a big town and there is a genuine interest in getting this set up, which is really positive to see.

“I am a Chippenham resident myself and the station hasn’t really been used as a gateway into Chippenham and it would be nice to restore the balance.”

Great Western Railway and Wiltshire Council made presentations during the meeting with many fielding questions about the lack of late evening services, the introduction of ticket gates and the public realm scheme around the station associated with additional car parking.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Mr Johnson added. “There was a lot of talk about the later services from Bristol and Bath, especially as shows at the Hippodrome tend to finish after the last train has left the station and trains on the Swindon to Westbury line too.

“It is not a complaint group though.

“The forum will also provide a place for commuters to be consulted on plans before they go through and I think that is important as things like parking will obviously have a long-term impact on the town.”

For more information about the Chippenham rail users’ group or to find out how to get involved contact Paul Johnson via pauljohnson@transwilts.org.