Marlborough town councillors are putting their weight behind the campaign to improve bus services to and from train stations.

The issue was raised as they decided to write to Claire Perry, MP for the Devizes constituency, to congratulate her on persuading the Department of Transport to look at the benefits of electrification of the railway line between Newbury, Great Bedwyn and Westbury.

Coun Richard Pitts asked that the town council support efforts by Transition Marlborough’s travel group and Bedwyn Transport Passenger Group’s to co-ordinate services between Malborough and Bedwyn, Pewsey and Swindon train stations.

He said: “Can we call upon Wiltshire Council to reduce the proposed cut to the Bedwyn bus and instead implement the alternative timetable for the Marlborough, Bedwyn, Hungerford service which incorporates a waiting time so that passengers are more likely to meet their connections?”

It was agreed that a letter should be sent to Claire Perry seeking her support for the campaign.

Coun Val Compton requested that this letter also raise the issue of parking problems near Great Bedwyn station where commuters block the drives of elderly and disabled residents.

The letter also requests that car parking arrangements are built into the overall plan to encourage and maximise the use of rail transport.