CONCERNS have been raised in Royal Wootton Bassett over the uncertainty surrounding the electrification of the Great Western Line.

Last week, Network Rail announced it would be delaying a number of projects across the country due to operational difficulties and rising costs.

However, it said the electrification programme, which stretches from London to Cardiff, would still be completed by 2017, although it conceded there could be some local delays along the way.

Now, Chris Hurst, who represents Bassett on Wiltshire Council, has said he is contacting Network Rail to get more clarification over the project, saying residents have already been hit with months of uncertainty.

A temporary road is being built around the village to compensate for the closure of a number of bridges around the town while the work is being done.

Coun Hurst said: “It doesn’t help when this sort of uncertainly is thrown in.

"Residents have already had to live under a cloud, not knowing the precise nature of the impact of the bridge closures, as Network Rail seeks to electrify the Great Western Line.

“I’ve been involved in trying to minimise the effects that electrification work will have on local residents, making sure a temporary footbridge is in place for pedestrians during the reconstruction work on Marlborough Road bridge for example.

“I have been working to update local people with developments as they happen: the people of Royal Wootton Bassett now need to know whether the electrification will take place and whether the timescale for the bridge closures in the town will be affected by the latest announcement.

“The Government and Network Rail need to urgently clarify the situation.”

When the announcement was made last week, Transport Secretary Patrick Mcloughlin said he wanted to see the electrification become a priority for Network Rail.

In the last year there have been a number of problems in and around Swindon.

Last November, the Stratton Green Bridge was set to shut for four months but re-opened after a few weeks because underground cables were deeper than first thought.

On top of that, the Skew Bridges in Royal Wootton Bassett were due to close, effectively cutting a main access to the town off, until the temporary road solution was developed.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Electrification will transform the railway between London and South Wales to make journeys faster, more reliable, greener and quieter for passengers.

"It will also help support economic growth across the South West.

“While work is progressing well and we’re aiming for a 2017 target for the South West, the programme is subject to change and alteration as the scope and needs of the overall project also change.”