GWE to co-ordinate Swindon's transport (From Swindon Advertiser)

GWE to co-ordinate Swindon's transport

The first meeting of what will be a regular transport forum for Swindon business leaders has taken place and was organised by GWE Business West’s Initiative in Swindon.

A number of businesses were involved, including Howard Tenens, Honda, Alder King and Whitmarsh Lockhart.

Swindon Borough Council’s director of transport, Dave Potter, talked about the council’s plans for the future of transport in Swindon.

The latest local transport is out for consultation and Initiative members were invited to give feedback and provide input on the requirements for business. Business leaders pressed for a number of actions that are needed to sustain business competitiveness in the town, these included:  Better orbital bus services linking key housing and employment areas.

 Intelligent transport systems – including better management of the existing road system.

 Much needed improvements to key transport interchanges – railway station and bus station.

 Electrification of the mainline rail route to London and Bristol, with future high speed rail also a priority.

Peter Barefoot, Alder King said: “This meeting is an excellent forum for business to prioritise and channel some of its concerns to the council. We are pleased to be involved.”

Ian Larrard, director of GWE Business West’s Swindon Initiative, said: “Businesses in Swindon are keen to work with the council to develop this agenda and help achieve the transport improvements we all want for the town.

"Through the Initiative in Swindon we will continue to bring businesses together to discuss these critical issues”.

Nicky Alberry, chairman of GWE Business West, said: “We have to look at what is achievable in the current economic climate.

"It’s important that we continue to work to improve transport in and around the town, so when the economy does recover we have in place a long term strategy for transport in Swindon.

"This meeting is only the first stage in the process.”