Back the campaign for a train station for Devizes

Rail Update from Brian - 08/08/2025

Recently, I’ve been involved in some promising discussions about the future of transport in our part of Wiltshire and I wanted to take a moment to share what’s happening, and how it could benefit all of us.

You may have heard about the proposal for a Bath & Wiltshire Metro - a regional rail improvement plan that’s starting to attract interest from local stakeholders and the rail industry. The idea is to make better use of existing lines, with some modest upgrades, to allow for more regular services through towns like Melksham, and potentially new stations at Corsham and Devizes.

Nothing is set in stone yet, and there’s still a lot of work to do. But at a recent meeting I organised in Melksham, we looked at how small but targeted changes, such as platform reinstatements at Westbury and Chippenham, a passing loop at Melksham, and some remodelling at Thingley Junction – could make a ‘Metro-style’ rail service possible.

The aim would be to improve frequency to two trains per hour through Melksham, which would be a step forward for both residents and businesses. Rail experts involved in the conversation made clear that, while it won’t happen overnight, these changes could be delivered in stages and without huge new infrastructure, which makes it far more realistic.

Alongside this, we discussed how transport links could support gentle, well-planned housing development - the kind that fits in with existing communities and reduces reliance on cars by focusing growth near train stations.

Of course, improvements like these will need funding, planning, and broad community support. One option on the table is using developer contributions via land value capture. A similar model was used on the Northumberland Line, where a freight-only line has been repurposed for passenger traffic, and there’s also potential for backing from the National Wealth Fund. But again, we’re at the exploratory stage.

One positive step is that a new train operator Go-op has received regulatory approval to run a new service between Taunton and Swindon, including stops in Melksham. Subject to Go-op securing investment in level crossing upgrades, this could happen as early as next year, which would give our area a useful boost in connectivity.

I’ll continue following this closely and working to make the case for practical, deliverable improvements to our public transport. Not grand schemes, but the kind of changes that can make a real difference to people’s daily lives.