This article discusses the problems with transport links within Wiltshire and the reduction in services (7387 fewer passengers to be served by 2008 - and this is written into the franchise). In addition there will be no future support for services linking Westbury and Salisbury and this, in addition to the already severely cut, almost non-existent services between Salisbury and Swindon. Here is my response to the article. I argue that with Wiltshire wanting to become a unitary authority, they must take some responsibility for the transport infrastructure.
Wiltshire County Council are in a bid to become a unitary authority. How can this county function as a whole when it is so difficult to get from one end to another? Better transport links will improve the local economy, attract business to the county and relieve pressure on the already over-crowded roads. My sister lives in Chippenham and I live in Salisbury. I can get one direct train there a day and none back. How is this be acceptable in this day and age? With county services already moving from Trowbridge to Chippenham it is even more important that links between north and south are improved. The government and FGW need to address the TransWilts problem immediately.