Great Western electrification - will it ever be completed?

Rail campaigners in the West have expressed dismay at the further delay to electrification of the Great Western main lines, after the government announced that part of the scheme have been "deferred", including lines between Bath and Bristol Temple Meads. "We're very concerned that no firm revised date has been set for these essential works" says Nigel Bray from the campaign group Railfuture. "It looks like the scheme is being pushed back further into the long grass with no government commitment as to when the wires will reach Bath and Temple Meads"

"The announcement did not mention what will happen to Metro West and other important improvements to Bristol's rail network" said Nigel. "Is the government tried to get away with a half finished electrification scheme? We need a clear indication of when it will be completed"

The government statement said that the deferment would save between £146 million and £165 million for other schemes.
"Where will this money be spent, if at all? Again there is no clear alternative plan for this money, and we fear it simply won't be used to improve rail services in the West. Overall, this latest development brings more questions than answers"


Notes to editors:

The government statement can be read here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/rail-update-rail-investment-in-the-great-western-route

Railfuture is the UK's leading independent organisation campaigning for better rail services for both passengers and freight.

Railfuture's website can be found at: www.railfuture.org.uk

Follow Railfuture on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Railfuture

For further information and comment please contact:

Nigel Bray, secretary, Railfuture Severnside
Tel: 01452 615619 Mobile: 07817 367065
nigel.bray at railfuture.org.uk

Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
Tel: 0117 927 2954 Mobile: 07759 557389
media at railfuture.org.uk