Summary
Gloucestershire County Council is putting the steam on Rail Minister Lord Hendy in an open letter pleading for better rail services between Gloucestershire and South Wales.
Details
The letter has been sent jointly by Cllr Julian Tooke , Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, and Cllr Roger Whyborn , his counterpart for Sustainable Transport and Road Safety, on behalf of the Forest of Dean Cabinet Panel .
The communication highlights the importance of better rail connectivity in supporting economic growth, improving access to jobs and education, and helping people travel more sustainably – and it lands in the minister’s in-tray on the same day as he fronts plans to bolster consumer protection for service failures on GWR and CrossCountry trains.
The Forest of Dean is currently served by Lydney railway station, which has just one train per hour to and from Cardiff and Cheltenham. Furthermore, there are no direct rail services between the Forest of Dean and Bristol – passengers currently needing to change trains at Severn Tunnel Junction , near Magor.
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In their letter, the cabinet members are calling for a second train per hour between Gloucestershire and South Wales , as well as improved connections at Severn Tunnel Junction to boost connectivity to Bristol.
They say more frequent services would make it easier for residents to access employment opportunities, education and essential services, while reducing reliance on private cars and helping tackle congestion on key routes – including around the River Wye crossing.
The letter, which has also been sent on behalf of Forest of Dean District Council, points out that the Forest of Dean has the lowest job density in Gloucestershire, meaning many residents travel outside the district for work. The council has asked the Minister to provide information on any planned service improvements, feasibility work or future opportunities to improve rail connectivity along the route.
Cllr Tooke said: “Good transport links are essential for our communities, businesses and local economy. Many people in the Forest of Dean travel outside the district for work, education and other opportunities, but rail connections do not currently meet the needs of residents.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester
