GREAT WESTERN

Bath: A study by Bath & North East Somerset Council into a potential tramway system has identified four corridors for further consideration. The A367 ( Odd Down) has the strongest potential, along with the A4/ A36 Newbridge, Lansdown and the A4 from the Lambridge area.

Freshford: The northeast Somerset station has enjoyed a three-fold increase in passengers since 1998. Users are calling for immediate action to provide additional car parking.

Hanborough: The redundant ticket office from Abbey Wood has been examined, for transfer to the unmanned Cotswold Line station. Great Western Railway is looking at ways of further extending the car park, which was only expanded from 50 to 241 spaces five years ago. Network Rail also has medium-term plans to redouble the section to Wolvercot Junction ( Oxford).

Heathfield: Network Rail has agreed to lease the mothballed remains of the Moretonhampstead branch to the Heath Rail Link. It is hoped that the four- mile line could have its passenger service restored within two years, if a park- and- ride station is built and rolling stock procured.

Helston: The town council has approached Network Rail to press for full reopening of the branch, part of which has been restored by a preservation group.

Kingham: A larger ticket office and cafe facility are being considered for the Cotswold Line station.

Moreton- in- Marsh: A new waiting room on the Cotswold Line station’s Up platform is planned for later this year. It will be part-funded by legacies, and capable of being used for meetings.

Oswestry: Cambrian Heritage Railways has been awarded a £120,000 grant by the town council to develop the station as a tourist attraction, with a visitor centre connected to the adjacent Stonehouse Brewery. A 1¼ - mile running line is planned for the first stage of rebuilding.