GREEN enthusiasts will get the chance to hear about a new plan for a sustainable transport network in the town next week.

The Swindon Civic Trust have organised a talk by GoCo co-operative secretary Kate Whittle on their plans for a new car-sharing scheme and the regeneration of branch-line railways.

GoCo, which has 150 members, is hoping to expand its membership in the south west and Kate said Swindon was one of the primary locations being looked at.

She said: “We want to promote awareness of who we are and what we are doing. We are a co-operative, so our members are our strength.

“What I think will be of interest to people in Swindon is a car club, which we hope to establish here first.

“We are talking to a housing association and the council have said they would back it.

“The underlying mission is to help people leave their cars at home and make use of public transport.

“Half as much railway is in use in the country now as there was 20 years ago. We want to open up the branch lines.

“This is really an opportunity to engage with the communities on our route.”

Geraint Day, the vice-chairman of the Civic Trust, said they invited GoCo because members would be interested in their plans.

“I think there is an interest in car sharing and the railways in Swindon and this is giving people a chance to see what opportunities are there,” he said.

“It’s just one of the events we put on for members and I think this is something that could affect the town if the things they are talking about get approved.”

The co-operative has made progress on rail networks in mid-Hampshire.

Its members have no concrete plans for Swindon but they are looking at expanding and developing links between the town and other places in Wiltshire, such as Trowbridge.

The talk will be held at the Central Library, Regent Circus, 7.30pm on Thursday, January 20.

It is open to the public but non-members of the Swindon Civic Trust are invited to make a donation of £5.