The Cotswold Line campaign

Published on: 06 May 2008

History of the line

The Cotswold Line was reduced to a single track in many places by British Rail in the early 1970s and ever since then a group of local councils has been campaigning for some of the track to be reinstated.

With more trains, and more people using them, delays are a daily occurrence for commuters as trains wait to get on the single track between Wolvercote and Ascott-under-Wychwood, but all that could come to an end in 2010.

Recent announcement

Dave Ward, Route Director at Network Rail recently announced to a meeting in Charlbury that they had chosen a scheme that would see almost 20 miles of new track laid between Charlbury and Evesham, and mean nine out of 10 trains should run on time.

This is now being considered by the Office of Rail Regulation and a final decision is expected to be made by the Secretary of State for Transport in the summer.

With pressure on government finances, Oxfordshire County Council knows that nothing can be taken for granted, and it will be writing to the Secretary of State to make sure she knows the importance of agreeing funding so Network Rail can get on and deliver a scheme that will make a difference to the lives of hundreds of Oxfordshire residents.

Nothing is guaranteed

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “After years of lobbying, this announcement should be the light at the end of the tunnel. But nothing is guaranteed.

“We have to make sure the government know how important redoubling is for everyone who travels by train along the Cotswold Line, and from Oxford and Didcot as they also get caught up in the delays. I urge everyone who travels by train to get to and from work to lend their support by writing to the Secretary of State.”

Where should you write?

People should write to: Rt. Hon. Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Transport, Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR.