MANY people in Devizes are celebrating after it was announced that the town has moved a major step forward to getting a train station.

The town has been given money to pay for a feasibility study and it means the station could be up and running within five years.

Iain Wallis chairman of Devizes Development Partnership, said: “Fantastic news. Devizes is now a step closer to getting a railway station back and from what I am told we are one of a small number of projects who have had this positive news.

“The Devizes project really impressed as one that would be possible to deliver and would have an important impact on the local community.”

Devizes MP Danny Kruger, who has backed the project, said: “I was so pleased to hear today that plans for a new train station to serve Devizes are a step closer.

“The proposals for a train station at Lydeway have been supported by a Department for Transport panel.

“Success in this first stage of the Restoring Your Railways fund means funding will be made available to investigate the realities of opening the station and create a detailed business plan.

“Devizes is the largest town in Wiltshire that does not have access to the rail network, after its branch line closed in the 1960s.

“There has been huge local support for a new station, which would allow residents to travel more easily to London, Bristol and around the county, and to help promote Devizes as a great destination for visitors and businesses.”

He thanked the development partnership and Wiltshire Council for helping to create a well-thought out application for the funds. He also praised former Devizes MP Claire Perry who supported the early stages of the campaign.

The Government will now work with Wiltshire Council to work out how much funding will be allocated to Devizes to help make the project a reality.