A public consultation on the possibility of reopening Saltford train station is due to begin in October, Bath and North East Somerset Council has confirmed.
This is how the land proposed for the station currently looks
The announcement comes following pressure from Conservative councillors for the Council to state when residents in the village will be given the chance to give their views on the proposals.
The idea of holding village-wide consultation on the possibility of reopening Saltford’s train station was first put forward by the village’s local councillors Francine Haeberling and Mathew Blankley at a public meeting held last year to discuss the proposals.
The village’s two councillors have said it is important for residents in Saltford have their say on the proposals at an early stage so that the Council can test the level of support for a reopened train station and gauge its likely level of usage, as well as address any concerns residents may have.
Some residents living near the former station site, which is just off the A4 at the bottom of Bath Hill, have expressed concerns over the potential impact a new station could have on traffic and parking. Suggestions have also been made that the Council look into other possible locations for a reopened station in or near the village.
Cllr Francine Haeberling (Cons, Saltford) commented: “We welcome the news that B&NES is finally set to go ahead with a public consultation on the idea of reopening a train station in Saltford.
“Reopening a former train station is a complex and lengthy process, so it’s vital that residents have a say in the matter at the earliest possible stage. The Council needs to ascertain what the level of usage would likely be to ensure it is viable, and also consult on where the best location for a reopened station would be.
“The Council’s feasibility study was based on the assumption that a significant number of passengers would drive to the station to catch the train, so clearly the issue of parking is something which needs to be looked into carefully.”
