A campaign to re-open Corsham Station has been taken directly to the Department for Transport in London.

Campaigners joined Michelle Donelan, the Conservatives’ Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Chippenham constituency, and travelled on Tuesday to meet officials and seek their support.

They presented their case on the financial, economic and social benefits it would bring to the town.

Chairman of Corsham Town Council, Ruth Hopkinson, said: “We put forward the case and the transport minister was quite receptive.

"However, if something goes ahead it will cost millions of pounds and a full feasibility test will be undertaken and funding looked into.”

Ms Donelan said: “The meeting was extremely productive. We now have a clear, long-term plan which enables us to put a strong and compelling case to the Government.

"We mustn’t get carried away – a station at Corsham has been discussed for decades and re-opening has seemed very close at times – but after today’s meeting I feel more confident that the community can, at last, pull it off.”

Chippenham MP Duncan Hames is also supporting the campaign and spoke of his delight that he has secured backing from Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership for a new direct Oxford to Bristol rail service that could make the station re-opening a reality.

Mr Hames said: “The Enterprise Partnership and local businesses have exciting plans for growth in Corsham, which would be boosted by a re-opened station in the town connecting it to cities like Bristol and Oxford.

“I am grateful to the LEP for making clear the economic benefits of our plans.”