Great Western Coffee Shop

Trains to and from Bristol were disrupted last night as police investigated a suspect on a London-bound train. The 5.30pm service from Bristol Temple Meads was stopped in Swindon and all trains were prevented from going in and out of the station while officers "acted on information" about someone on the train (link below.)
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Despite rumours that a man had threatened to blow himself up , British Transport Police said the incident was resolved peacefully by 8pm.

"Specialist infrastructure developer, Kilbride Group has taken over the Keypoint Swindon rail terminal and invested in an improved road access to allow cars from the neighbouring Honda car plant at Swindon direct access to the terminal."

"Almost 3,000 trucks a year will be taken off the road following the re-opening of an existing rail head next to the Honda of the UK Manufacturing site at Swindon."

"The new rail freight terminal links directly to the Honda facility, and has been developed jointly between Honda and Kilbride Group. Vehicle logistics company STVA operates the movement service for Honda."

"We are delighted to have provided the infrastructure to enable Honda to move cars by rail through the Channel Tunnel to mainland Europe. The Kilbride Swindon Terminal represents another investment in rail freight infrastructure on behalf of a major industrial customer by the Kilbride Group, following on from the Jaguar Castle Bromwich facility,"

Man dies after being hit by train

A man died after he was hit by an early morning train in Stratton St Margaret. Police said the victim, in his early 30s, was killed under a bridge at Ermin Street at about 6.30am on Saturday.

Duty Inspector Andrew Carr of Swindon Police said the investigation was being treated as suicide. Police also said it was not clear where the man was from.

A bouquet of flowers have been left tied to the railway bridge.

The incident caused major disruption to rail services between Swindon and Didcot Parkway. It also delayed routes from Gloucester, Bristol Parkway, Reading and London Paddington throughout the morning.

The line was reopened after two hours for normal service to resume.

^A fatality is quite rare in the area,^ said Insp Carr. ^m not aware of this sort of thing happening. I know nationwide it does happen, but this is not common place here. It^s an unfortunate incident.^

A First Great Western statement appeared on its website soon after the incident. It read: ^Services between Swindon and Didcot Parkway are being disrupted due to a fatality in the South Marston area. Services are subject to delay, alteration and cancellation. Replacement road transport is being organised between Chippenham, Swindon and Didcot Parkway.^

British Transport Police are currently conducting an investigation into how the incident happened. A spokesman would only confirm there was a fatality and no other official information was given when approached by the Swindon Advertiser yesterday.

The death comes 48 hours after the Adver revealed how passengers narrowly escaped death when vandals dumped concrete blocks on a railway line in Swindon.

A 125mph First Great Western passenger train, carrying up to 750 people, struck the steel reinforced blocks near Stratton Green Bridge, but managed to stay on the rails.

The train was heading to London Paddington from South Wales, but was so badly damaged it could not continue its journey.

None of the culprits has been caught following the incident at 5pm on Monday, July 13.

The potentially fatal incident was just one of four dangerous incidents on Swindon railway lines in a month.

Any information about the fatality or the vandalism can be passed onto police by calling 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Stuntman took his own life

Mystery surrounds what depressed a Swindon stunt motorcyclist so much he took his own life on a railway line, an inquest heard yesterday.

Geoff Chaloner of Sywell Road, Coleview, laid out on the track just under Ermin Street Bridge in Stratton as a First Great Western train hit him at 70mph, Assistant Deputy Coroner for Swindon & Wiltshire Ian Singleton said.

The stuntman, known as ^The Wheelie King^ who rode for many bike teams including the Over The Top Motorcycle Stunt team, made the 20-minute walk to the bridge from his home.

The dad-of-two was hit by a 450-tonne train at about 6.10am on August 15. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics at 6.35am, said Mr Singleton.

The inquest at Trowbridge Town Hall heard Mr Chaloner, 46, left a short hand-written note in the kitchen of his family home saying he was ^so sorry to let the family down^.

Giving evidence Mr Chaloner^s wife Debbie said she still didn^t know why he wanted to kill himself. ^If he was (depressed) he didn^t show it and hid it well,^ she said. ^Something was troubling him but he never told me what it was. You know men they don^t like to talk about things.^

She added: ^The letter had about three lines in it ^ That^s the worst bit ^ I wish he^d left something more.^

Debbie said her husband of 22 years was in good health and had never indicated he had any suicidal thoughts.

The inquest also heard from train driver John Plumford who was taking the 5.30am train from Bristol Temple Meads bound for London Paddington. In a witness statement read by the coroner, Mr Plumford said he noticed a ^dark shadow^ on the track just in front of him. He applied the emergency brake but the train was unable to stop in time, said Mr Singleton.

Mr Chaloner was wearing dark clothing on what was not a clear early morning, said the coroner. Tall trees at the side of the track also created shadows over the line near the bridge, he said.

John Wilson, the coroner^s British Transport Police liaison officer for Wales and the South West, said Mr Chaloner had either jumped over a 5ft wall or squeezed through a fence to get to the railway line.

Mr Singleton said HGV driver Mr Chaloner had been drinking alcohol in the lead up to his death.

Several empty beer cans lay near Mr Chaloner^s body, he added. Toxicology results showed Mr Chaloner was more than twice the legal drink/drive limit at 178mg per 100ml of blood. The post-mortem report, compiled by histopathologist doctor Darko Lazic from the Great Western Hospital, said Mr Chaloner died as a result of multiple head and body injuries.

A nine-person jury, made up of five women and four men, took 15 minutes to be able to deliver their verdict. They unanimously concluded: ^He (Mr Chaloner) took his life while under the influence of alcohol.^

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted and knocked unconscious by a man in the subway tunnel at Swindon rail station.

Officers are urging anyone with information about the incident which took place at 10.30pm on Saturday, 8 May to come forward.

After the incident a 43-year-old man from Swindon was arrested, and has been released on police bail until 8 June 2010.

Detective Constable Richard Day, the investigating officer, said the incident began when the offender first attacked a man in the subway underpass at Swindon rail station. "The victim sustained cuts and bruises to his face. The offender then turned on two women, who were trying to walk past, and set upon them in a completely unprovoked attack.^

Both women were punched in the face, with one, a 33-year-old from Swindon, being left unconscious and requiring emergency medical treatment.

DC Day added: ^This attack was a completely unacceptable and violent incident, and I would urge anyone who witnessed it to come forward.^

Consumer campaigners are calling on Swindon^s travelling public to deliver the message ^ our train fares are too high.

The pressure group Fair Fares was leafleting commuters and drawing up a petition outside the railway station on Friday night, as part of its bid to force train operators to lower their fares.

Around 150 commuters signed the petition, which will be sent to Philip Hammond, the secretary of state for transport.

The campaigners are angered by the disproportionately high fares between Swindon and London, which sees commuters in the town pay more than train users in Bath ^ despite being around 40 miles closer to the capital.

Fair Fare campaign founder Chris Watts, of Dunsford Close, Old Town, said high fares are discouraging businesses from moving to the town. ^Swindon is in a situation where it^s disadvantaged when it comes to the cost of rail fares,^ said the 44-year-old. ^There^s no reason for it in this day and age. There should be a level playing field. The council has actually stated companies have come to look at relocating to Swindon, but while they might save on rent and rates, they still have to do business in London.^

In response to Mr Watts^s criticism, a spokseman for First Group, which runs the bulk of trains on the Great Western line, said: ^Compared with other means of transport, train travel offers very good value for money.^

They also stated that fares from the Swindon were being kept as low as possible and some had been frozen.

A "substantial" number of train services have been cancelled or diverted because of a total signal failure near Swindon.

Train operator First Great Western said most services from Wales and Bristol towards London were affected.

Services from Bath and Chippenham have been replaced by buses, while services from Bristol Parkway are travelling via Gloucester.

Network Rail said it did not know how long it would take to fix the problem.

The train operator added that services to and from Bristol Temple Meads were being diverted via the Berkshire and Hampshire line.

I was on the 10:00 London Paddington to Paignton service.  We were held outside Swindon for about 10 minutes before being brought into Platform 1 where I got off.  The preceding service to Swansea was on platform 4.  According to live departures the Paignton train stayed there for nearly an hour before being diverted and missing all other stops until Taunton - I assumed it was diverted via Melksham but I saw later it never made Paignton.

Went back to Didcot, and around the Reading West Curve and via the B/H to Cogload.

That will be one set in "reverse formation" then!   ;D

  currently stuck on train (1138 off Rdg to btm) outside swindon due to single line working AND signal failure believed to be using human lineside signallers!!

A RAIL firm has laid on extra trains to take Swindon Town^s large travelling support for the Wembley final next month following an outcry by fans in the Adver.
 
First Great Western has announced they will run five extra train services from Swindon to Paddington on March 25, the day the Robins take on Chesterfield in the Johnstone Paint Trophy.
 
But the company said there will still be no discounts available for fans travelling in large groups.
 
It comes after the Adver revealed Group Save tickets previously available to First Great Western customers were withdrawn on Sunday, March 25, meaning groups of fans travelling from Swindon to Paddington will not be able to get the usual discount.
 
Three services will run, with 8.56am, 9.45am and 10.16am services, while two extra trains will depart from Paddington at 6pm and either 5pm or 7pm depending on whether the game goes to extra time or penalties.
 
Dan Panes, a spokesman for First Great Western, said: ^We are not charging any premiums for the trains, but GroupSave tickets will not be available.
 
^The important thing to stress is there have been a number of people trying to get split tickets.
 
^It is worth pointing out we are not responsible if they do not hit their connections, whereas with a full ticket we are. We did not have any complaints ^ I think our regular travellers are aware of the GroupSave policy.^

Swindon South MP Rob Buckland lobbied the firm to provide additional services and extra GroupSave tickets.
 
He said: ^We^ve now got more trains, but I am disappointed that they cannot offer group concessions.
 
^I still think it would be an excellent initiative for them to do this on what is a special day for the town.^
 
Nigel Bennett, spokesman for the Swindon Town Supporters Club, said it was good for fans to have alternatives and and pointed out that coaches were still available.
 
He said: ^Any alternative option for fans to get to the match is always welcome and I understand it may have sprung from a suggestion by the football club that they lay on additional facilities.^
 

There are alternative stops down the road from Swindon station opposite Gloucester Street or up the road on Corporation Street.

Rail survey skips question of cost

Blink and you^ll miss it. A customer survey handed out by First Great Western at the weekend devoted just one question out of 100 to ticket pricing.

Passengers are quizzed about their age, family background, employment status and even the appearance of train staff.

Views are also sought on the condition of the outside of the train, the floors and the soap dispensers. But respondents have to wait until question 28, under the heading ^opinion of rail journey in general^, before getting to the topic on most people^s minds.

The sub-question asks for a rating ^ from very satisfied to very dissatisfied ^ for ^the value for money of the price of your ticket.^

The survey comes at a time when Swindon passengers are likely to be hit by another round of price increases.

Swindon is in the top 10 most expensive lines in the country, with a trip to London costing 72p per mile.

Company secretary Susie Kandolah, 42, from Purton, was travelling from London Paddington to Swindon. She said: ^They say it^s to improve their service but it sounds like they just want to make more money out of us. When you^ve paid over ^50 with a Travelcard to get to London and back you^re not that bothered about what the windows look like.^

Lorna Stephens, 21, a student from Bristol, said: ^It^s so expensive I find it cheaper to drive to London. I can^t see the point of the survey if there^s nothing about cost.^

Coun Kevin Small, chairman of Swindon Borough Council^s scrutiny committee, said: ^It^s not a satisfaction survey, it^s more about the customer base and the kind of people they want to attract to the trains. They are finding out if they can appeal to different sections of the community. We have made it clear from the scrutiny work we have done one of the major issues which First Great Western has failed to make any recognition of is price. They see tickets as an easy way to make more money for themselves."

A spokeswoman for GWR said the survey was a customer satisfaction monitor which was aimed at giving the rail operator an idea of how it was doing ahead of a national survey carried out by Passenger Focus, an independent public body protecting the interests of passengers.

She said: ^We only need to ask one question about fares ^ whether they^re good value for money or not. Obviously there are a number of other factors including whether the trains are on time and the frequency and capacity. We are currently investing ^29m with the Department For Transport in increasing capacity on high-speed trains. On value for money we have worked with Swindon MPs and the council in terms of keeping fares down in Swindon over the last couple of fare increases, particularly on walk on fares.^

A spokeswoman for GWR said ...

Rail survey skips question of cost

A customer survey handed out by First Great Western at the weekend ...

Coun Kevin Small, chairman of Swindon Borough Council^s scrutiny committee, said: ^It^s not a satisfaction survey, it^s more about the customer base and the kind of people they want to attract to the trains. They are finding out if they can appeal to different sections of the community. ..."

Rain delays railway station plans

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The major improvement of Swindon^s railway station forecourt has been delayed by the heavy rain but is still on track to be completed by the summer.

Contractor Britannia Construction, which started the work in late September, hoped to complete the work at the end of June, but the wash-out means it is likely to be a July finish.

Forward Swindon commissioned the ^1.8m project to provide a more impressive and user-friendly gateway to Swindon. Nearly ^1m came from Government, while the remainder of the cost was met through Swindon Council and Network Rail.

The scheme gives pedestrians priority through an uncluttered space which will feature seating, planting, lighting and re-siting of the Millennium Clock, which used to be located in the centre of town.

Taxi ranks, drop offs and bus stops will be in well-defined locations.

Britannia Construction is well into the final phase of the work and says it is progressing well, despite a number of challenges, including the exceptional weather, which has also delayed other construction projects nationwide.

Contracts manager Rob Rees said: ^We are still looking to complete the project by the summer ^ most likely July. But we have had a particular struggle with the exceptionally wet conditions lately, meaning there are certain areas where we cannot carry on paving as quickly as we would like. We have also experienced some flooding on site, which has been exacerbated by overflow from the adjacent Sheppard Street car park, situated on higher ground.^

Additional utilities work has also been required since the site is crossed by a number of major pipelines and drainage systems, none of which were evident at the start. When workmen have not been able to complete part of the project, they have moved, on to another part to reduce delays.

The final stage of the project, is now being undertaken, which has seen the installation of 500 tons of natural granite to create the 2,000sq metre forecourt area. A mix of colours define the pedestrian routes and access to transport links.

Taxi drivers facing strain of rail revamp

Taxi drivers continue to be upset over the work to carry out a major revamp of Swindon train station.

The ^1.8m scheme, which includes Gloucester Street, will replace the run-down cab rank and frontage with a new pedestrian plaza. But the work, which has involved months of disruption, will reduce spaces for taxis from more than 40 to around 30.

Cabbie Nathan Blake, 43, of Old Town, said: ^It^s ridiculous, the whole thing is a waste of money. Fewer cabs will be able to stop outside the station when it is finished and the way the kerbs are designed they are very high and too far from the areas taxis will stop in. It will make it more difficult for us to pick up passengers. The trade in the town is struggling enough as it is without this.^

Ranks in Gloucester Street and Wellington Street have been used while the diggers have been going about their business. Less than 10 cabs have been able to use the station forecourt itself at any one time while the work has been taking place.

The revamp has been delayed by the recent downpours of rain, but is expected to be completed by July.

Taxi driver Keith Larbey, 42, of Park North, said: ^The main worry is the length of time it^s taking, they are getting on with it as much as they can but it^s an inconvenience to the general public as well as to us. There are overspill ranks but there^s still not enough space ^ it^s crowded and hazardous and we risk having our vehicles damaged. It^s in the final stages now and we are just waiting to see what it looks like when it^s finished, it might be just as effective.^

Cabbie Tom Evans, 50, from Penhill, said: ^It^s a total waste of taxpayers^ money. All they needed to do was tarmac it and flatten out the surface. The money would have been spent on something else. We have got a dead town and it would have been better to invest in the town centre. It^s a railway station, that^s all it is. The new bus shelter alone cost ^15,000 and the kerbs have been imported from China. One has already had to be replaced as it had a point in it. The disabled access is past the traffic lights on Station Road and it will be a real struggle for people to walk back to the station on a rainy day.^

Daniel Cooper, secretary of Swindon Taxi Association, said: ^When it^s finished it^s going to be safer for us and safer for the public. However it does cause us concern because more than 40 cabs could use this rank before and that will be taken down to 30. It^s going to be difficult for us having a lot less vehicles over here. We will have to see how it works when it^s finished.^

The scheme is intended to give pedestrians priority through an uncluttered space which will feature seating, planting, lighting and re-siting of the Millennium Clock, which used to be located in the centre of town. Taxi ranks, drop offs and bus stops will be in well-defined locations.

A spokeswoman for Forward Swindon said that extensive consultations had been carried out with taxi drivers before the work commenced.

Building work at the front of Swindon's railway station is running behind schedule.

The improvements had been expected to finish at the end of July but now look likely to be completed by mid August

Forward Swindon - the company overseeing the work - says the recent heavy rain has delayed the work.

A spokesman said it had been been working closely with the contractor to ensure the work on the forecourt was completed as soon as possible.

"However, due to factors outside of all of our control, including the unusually wet weather, it is likely that work will not be fully completed until mid August," he said.

"The area to the right of the station entrance - toward Costa Coffee - will be fully opened up to the public next week, and the contractors will then focus on the area on the other side of the entrance.

"The imperative has been to keep access to the station open at all times."

Work has been taking place at Station Road for nearly a year. The area to the front is being paved with granite to highlight the route to the town centre.

A new taxi rank will have room for 14 cabs with an additional route for taxi drop-offs and emergency vehicles.

Forward Swindon is the economic development company for the town and is responsible for the delivery of economic growth in the borough.

CABBIES have criticised the newly-completed taxi rank outside Swindon station and claimed the pedestrian crossing is ^an accident waiting to happen^.
 
As work on the ^1.8m revamp of the station forecourt nears completion after nearly 12 months, the taxi rank and bus stop has been finished and the hollow shell of the Millenium Clock has been brought out of storage.
 
But those plying their trade in the station have said they are less than happy with the new layout and say it does not work for pedestrians or transport access, with a crossing that gives people mixed signals.
 
One driver, Kevin Midgley, who has been a cabbie in the town for 13 years, said: ^The light system is an accident waiting to happen. One set is for the taxi lane and another set is for the buses and other traffic.
 
^If you stand there and watch you will see how many people walk out in front of buses or taxis. I would say there have been a couple of near-misses.
 
^I don^t know why they have bothered doing anything to it at all, it^s a bit of a waste of money. People getting off the train just want to get away from the station as soon as possible, not sit down and have a coffee in a plaza.^
 
The overhaul, which has involved months of disruption, has also seen spaces for taxis reduced from more than 40 to around 30.
 
But Danny Ringham, who started a new career as a taxi driver just three weeks ago, said the finished product was an improvement on the upheaval of the work, which has been ongoing since last September.
 
^It^s not as bad as it was, when we had queues down Gloucester Street,^ he said.
 
^The only problem is once you are on the rank you cannot get out until it^s your turn, which is a problem if there^s an emergency or you want to try somewhere else.^
 
Forward Swindon said the scheme was intended to give pedestrians priority through an uncluttered space which will feature seating, planting, lighting and the Millennium Clock, while taxi ranks, drop-off points and bus stops will be in well-defined locations.
 
Of the new Puffin crossing, a spokesman said: ^The Puffin crossing is the latest highways approved design and is being introduced throughout the UK as a safer type of crossing than the old style Pelican, using a lower level red/green man indicator and push button. However, due to the design of this crossing being a relatively new concept in the UK, we are going to include some additional, repeater indicators to warn pedestrians of oncoming traffic.^
 

Station forecourt work set to miss deadline again

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Construction workers on site at the ^1.8m Swindon rail station forecourt revamp

Work on the ^1.8m railway station forecourt project is to go on beyond the completion deadline again ^ almost a year after it began.

Earlier this month Forward Swindon, who commissioned the overhaul, said it hoped contractors would be finished at the site by the end of this month, but with workmen still hard at it, the company admitted that target was now unlikely.

The scheme, which was part of Swindon Council^s vision to improve the town centre, has been beset by problems from the beginning. Contractor Britannia Construction, which started the work in late September last year, initially hoped to finish by the end of June but blamed the wettest months on record in April and May for the delays.

Also, additional utilities work has also been required since the site is crossed by a number of major pipelines and drainage systems, none of which were evident at the start.

The final stage of the project has seen the installation of 500 tons of natural granite to create the 2,000sq metre forecourt area.

Ian Piper, CEO at Forward Swindon, admitted the previous deadlines had been ambitious. ^We hoped to see the station forecourt works completed by the end of the month and we are disappointed that they are still not finished,^ he said. ^But the key concern for Forward Swindon is that the result is a high quality environment for all those passing through the station forecourt every day, and the contractors are now at the final stage. This is a key regeneration project for Swindon and it must create an impressive and welcoming entranceway to the town, so Forward Swindon have not been prepared to compromise on quality.

^The anticipated completion dates were perhaps too ambitious considering the work involved, especially when taking into account the appalling weather this year, but the station has been open for business throughout the project and we^re sure the new forecourt will be of great benefit to Swindon in the long term.^

At least three million people pass through the station each year, including visitors and commuters from the London to Cardiff mainline, and the project was earmarked as a priority project for Forward Swindon to deliver this year. More than 50 per cent of the cost was met by central government with the remaining funding from Network Rail and the council.

Swindon Labour Group Leader Jim Grant said: ^Obviously it is very disappointing that the completion of the station forecourt refurbishment has been further delayed. With there now being broad cross-party agreement about where regeneration needs to take place it is the job of the council^s administration to ensure these projects are done within budget and on time. Clearly with this project the Conservative administration have failed to do this and I hope this will not follow a similar pattern with other regeneration projects.^

Swindon rail station revamp firm Britannia Construction in line for top award

The contractor behind Swindon^s delayed railway station forecourt upgrade has been shortlisted for firm of the year award by a business magazine.

Britannia Construction, which started the work late September last year, hoped to complete the project by the end of June ^ however, it remains unfinished due to delays blamed on the weather and the discovery of underground services.

But on Monday, Insider South West revealed that the firm was one of just three shortlisted for construction firm of the year in its annual Insider South West Property Awards 2012. The other nominees are Midas, and ACD Design and Construction.

The magazine, which will announce the winner in Bristol on October 18, says the awards are ^designed to reward those businesses and individuals performing at the top of their game^.

All shortlisted companies, projects and buildings were selected by judges from the property industry, as well as South West Business Insider editor^s, Neil Tague.

But taxi driver Max Walker, who has complained about the delays, said: ^I wouldn^t have thought they^re entitled to any reward given the delays. In my opinion it should have been finished six months ago, you can build a block of flats in about three months.^

Forward Swindon commissioned the ^1.8m project to provide a more impressive and user-friendly gateway to Swindon.

Ian Piper, chief executive of Forward Swindon, said: ^I think that^s great news for Britannia. Certainly we^re very pleased with the quality of what they^ve done at the forecourt.^

Delayed Swindon station forecourt revamp complete

A ^1.8m revamp of the forecourt at Swindon railway station is finally complete, more than three months after work was planned to finish.

Work to modernise the area began in August 2011 and was due to be completed in June, but it was beset by delays due to heavy rain over the summer.

The local authority's economic development body, Forward Swindon has overseen the work.

Chief executive Ian Piper said he was "delighted" with the result. He said: "We set out to really improve the environment at the station and change that really important gateway for the town. We think it looks fabulous and the feedback we've had has been really positive."

The area to the front has been paved with granite and lined with trees to highlight the route to the town centre.

A new taxi rank provides room for 14 cabs with an additional route for taxi drop-offs and emergency vehicles.

Mr Piper said the "wettest spring and summer for 100 years" and the building contractor "underestimating the complexity of the paving work" led to the delay in completing the project.

Nikki King, landlady of the GW hotel and bar which overlooks the station, said the new design had "made a lot of difference".

"It's just taken a long time to get there and trade is picking up for us," she said.

The revamp of Swindon railway station has been completed three months behind schedule.
 
The project was meant to be completed in June but was delayed by bad weather.

The scheme, which was part of Swindon Council^s vision to improve the town centre, was beset by problems.
 
Contractor Britannia Construction, which started the work in September last year, initially hoped to finish by the end of June but blamed the wettest months on record in April and May for the delays.
 
Additional utilities work was also required since the site is crossed by a number of major pipelines and drainage systems, none of which were evident at the start.

Ian Piper, the CEO at Forward Swindon, said: ^The anticipated completion dates were too ambitious considering the work involved, especially when taking into account the appalling weather this year.
 
^But the station has been open for business throughout and we^re sure the new forecourt will be of benefit to Swindon long-term.^
 
The area to the front has been paved with granite and lined with trees to highlight the route to the town centre.
 
A new taxi rank provides room for 14 cabs with an additional route for taxi drop-offs and emergency vehicles.

Swindon train station forecourt refurbishment beginsContinue reading the main story
Related Stories
Station upgrade reaches new phase

The first phase of a ^1.75m facelift for the forecourt of Swindon railway station has begun.

Swindon Borough Council plans to turn the taxi rank and bus stops outside the station into a paved area, lined with benches and trees.

Contractors will begin by creating a temporary taxi rank so work on the station can start properly over the next fortnight.

The work is expected to take six months to complete

(http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/resources/images/2497744.jpg?type=articleLandscape)

IT was a case of a bridge too low for one lorry driver after his vehicle became wedged under an infamous town centre bridge.
 
The lorry stuck fast under the Whitehouse Bridge yesterday afternoon, forcing drivers to find an alternative route into the town centre.
 
Police were called to the scene at about 12.10pm and closed the road while they helped to free the vehicle.
 
A police spokesman said the bridge had not been severely damaged and the driver had to make contact with his employer telling him of the issue ^ just three days into his current job.
 
The driver who was left red-faced was travelling from Frome and said that he had not seen signs about the height of the bridge.
 
He said: ^I was following the sat nav and did not see the signs.

^I would definitely say that there need to be clearer signs leading up to the bridge.
 
^There was not much of an impact because I wasn^t going fast enough but I went under just enough to get the reflector stuck.
 
^There is no damage to the bridge or the cab.

^The engineer has said that someone else did it just a couple of weeks ago.^

Network Rail were informed of the incident but there was no disruption to the trains and no damage to the bridge, which has become infamous for catching out drivers.

A council spokesman said: ^There are ordinary warning signs on the approach, and there are flashing vehicle-activated warning signs.
 
^Then there is the bridge itself, which apart from looking extremely low is painted yellow, and has a band of reflective chevrons attached.
 
^There is also a sign on the side showing its height, accompanied by the words ^Low Bridge^ in huge letters. We^re struggling to think of anything else we can realistically do.^
 
This road was cleared by 2pm and the driver was given a penalty notice by police.

As the council spokesman said "what else can you do!"

It was suspected a line-side fire near Kemble affecting 90meters of cabling might have been to blame

With the whole lineside being tinder-dry, it's amazing this has only happened once.

I guess you can only protect from so many eventualities.

Agreed. It isn't likely to happen often enough to merit spending a huge pile of cash.

Less tolerant however about the dire First Bus services in Somerset I was exposed to that day. Taunton, once the heart of Southern National following deregulation, is slowly becoming a desert with regard to country bus services. Those that remain are terrible time keepers operated by hand-me-down buses that should be on the scrap heap.

Knock on delays affected me that day, but I'm philosophical.

Me too - but I had a lovely journey from Reading to Swindon via Newbury, Trowbridge and Bath Spa!

Bad bad bad boys who used ridgiduct so close to the surface, the use of this in the Southern Routes for electrification and plant cabling is prohibited on or near the surface.  The type of plastic used does not self extinguish when it get a light as its meant to be buried.

I'm keeping a close eye on the Swindon - Kemble work from a handy vantage point  ;)

Agree with both posters' comments.  Wootton Bassett Junction is an ideal candidate for future grade separation with the number of trains likely to increase, and the opportunity to dramatically increase the linespeed as a result would help the business case.  I would put Didcot East Junction higher on the list of schemes that will be needed as I can see that becoming the pinch point on the GWML following the improvements at Reading, and Southcote Junction isn't far behind in that regard.

There will always be pinch points of course as whenever you spend money at one location which allows for more trains, the next location starts to struggle more, but those three locations would benefit now let alone in the future, and are more important, in my opinion, than further redoubling of the Cotswold Line for example.

Sensory Garden at Swindon Station is set to thrive again

(http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/resources/images/2723075.jpg?type=articleLandscape)
Florist Louise Joachim by the Sensory Garden at Swindon Station

The derelict sensory garden at Swindon Station may soon be rejuvenated. A flower shop owner has begun talks to take responsibility for the upkeep of the garden, which has long been denounced as an eyesore.

Louise Joachim, owner of Wendy House Flowers, is on a mission to make the garden live up to its name once more. She has appealed to First Great Western and the station manager to allow her to fill the garden with a variety of plants which appeal to the senses, including flowers, herbs and fruit plants.

The garden first caught her attention after her young son took an interest in trains. ^He is a bit of a train fanatic,^ said Louise. ^Most evenings we are up there making trips or watching the trains, so having been there quite a few times I noticed the garden looking run down. It has been like that for ages and it is such a shame to see it that way. Having seen the regeneration of other stations they have really put a lot of effort into it. With Swindon being at the heart of the rail network, it is a shame people do not make a big deal about it. We make a lot of our rail heritage, but our station looks like a dump.^

Louise wants to make the garden attractive once again, and is offering her services to make that happen. ^I just think it should be somewhere people can enjoy,^ she said. ^It would not just be pretty flowers ^ I want to make the garden live up to its name. I want it to appeal to all the senses, so I would like to grow flowers, herbs and fruit plants.

^There should be things people can touch and smell, where they can indulge themselves. It could be a quiet little haven where people have a place to enjoy nature. The train station is people^s first impression of Swindon, and I want it to be pretty spectacular.^

Louise started Wendy House Flowers after going through the Outset Project for people wanting to start their own business. ^I wanted to focus on where my passion lies, which is floristry, and I thought this would be the perfect time to make the jump,^ she said. ^I have been doing floristry for years, and it is in my blood to be green-fingered. So I did some courses and developed on those skills.

^I have been part of the Outset Project which is offered through the Job Centre to help people start up their own business, providing us with a mentor and additional funding. They teach you all the aspects of business and it has been amazing, a really valuable experience. Everything has come together perfectly since then.^

A spokesman for First Great Western said: ^We are aware of the garden and some of the impressions surrounding it. If a local business is interested in putting some work into the garden to improve it, that is something we would welcome and take into consideration.^

Thoughts with all those trying to get home tonight as this is causing major delays and cancelations at both ends of the line.

Hearing that replacement buses haven't turned up at Bath yet for onward travel to Chippenham and Swindon with passengers advised to head to the bus station where their tickets will be accepted.

Journeycheck advising passengers between Chippenham and Swindon to use Stagecoach Service 55.  ...

Passenger taken ill on board a train at the platform at Ealing Broadway.

(http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/resources/images/2746564.jpg?type=articleLandscape)

DRIVERS are being advised to avoid the town centre area after a lorry struck a bridge.
 
Police officers received a call to the bridge in Station Road at approximately 12.30pm, following reports that the bridge had been hit.
 

A lineside fire at London Bridge closed London Bridge, Charing Cross and Cannon Street NR stations during the main part of the rush hour.  Parts of Victoria were also shut to prevent overcrowding.

According to Tyrell "Core Incident message: 20
London Bridge Signal box area is completely out of use due to a fire in the relay room."

...and were being controlled by the the BTP...

A SINGLE cable caused chaos on the train lines on Tuesday night as a total signalling failure affected all routes through Swindon.
 
At 5.30pm, the defective cable between Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett temporarily shut down all lines through the town.
 
Two trains in the area at the time were brought to a standstill for more than an hour and were forced to pull back to the closest available station.
 
While replacement bus services were scrambled, many passengers were forced to hire taxis to get them to their destinations, with one, Mike Catris, of Cardiff, even having to pay for a taxi from Bristol to Heathrow to ensure he did not miss his flight.
 
Delays of up to two hours were experienced on some journeys as diversions were put in place, and the 9.11pm service from London Paddington did not arrive in Swindon until 12.23am.
 
Passengers took to Twitter to vent their frustration at the delays.

@adamczuk wrote: ^It was horrific. It took me four and a half hours to get home and First Great Western couldn^t care less. Zero customer service at Swindon.^
 
@Deeley_s posted: ^Five and a half hours after leaving Bath I made it to Swindon.^
 
A passenger named John R, who was on the 3.30pm service from London Paddington, posted on the Great Western Passenger^s Forum: ^It left Swindon roughly on time, had to stop on its way to Wootton Bassett following the failure, and reversed back into Swindon.

A spokesman for First Great Western said: ^Services were running through Swindon again within an hour and a half of the problem occurring, and by 11.30pm, all services were running as normal.
 
^There were two services that could not pass through Swindon, and had to go back to the station.
 
^Between eight to 10 replacement buses were ordered immediately to transport passengers while Network Rail worked to fix the problem.
 
^The first arrived on site at 6pm, within half an hour of the problem.

^We would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience caused by this fault.^
 
A spokesman for Network Rail said: ^A faulty cable has been identified as the cause for the loss of signalling power, which meant that no trains were able to run between Swindon and Wootton Bassett until a temporary measure was put in place at 6.30pm.
 
^The fault was rectified at 11.30pm Tuesday to enable full services to resume.^

Network Rail^s route managing director for Western, Patrick Hallgate, said: ^It was a very difficult evening for everyone and I would like to apologise to passengers caught up in the delays.^
 
Investigations into the cause of the faulty cable are ongoing. The signalling system in Swindon, which has controlled railway traffic though a hub within the station since 1968, is due to be upgraded when it is centralised at Didcot next Easter.
 
Danny Scraggins, Network Rail operations manager, said: ^This system will close next May, when the signalling moves to Didcot. The new model will be computerised so will be superior.^
 

Danny Scraggins, Network Rail operations manager, said: ^This system will close next May, when the signalling moves to Didcot. The new model will be computerised so will be superior.^

Yeah, because computers never go wrong ...  ::)

Won't prevent the power failures recently experienced either...

(http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/resources/images/2896934.jpg?type=articleLandscape)

A HORSEBOX has become wedged under the Whitehouse Bridge in Corporation Street heading towards the TK Maxx roundabout.
 
Police officers are in attendance attempting to stop traffic, which has backed up, so they can free the vehicle.
 
A police spokesman said: ^The horsebox became fully stuck under the bridge at around 4.54pm and officers were sent to the scene to manage the traffic. There were no horses inside the vehicle.^
 

Not sure when the "thiriving" is supposed to start, but the garden still looks uncared for and currently sports two daffodils which I guess re-grew from last year's bulbs.  Shame.

August closure of signal system is derailed

NETWORK Rail announced this week that the closure date for the Swindon Panel, the outgoing signalling system at Swindon train station, has been postponed.

It was originally due to be removed during the August bank holiday but has been postponed for either three months to Christmas 2014 or seven months to Easter 2015.

The panel was due to go on display in Didcot after the signalling system for the South West is centralised later this year, but that time-frame has now been extended.

Danny Scraggins, of the Swindon Panel Society, said: ^While it is disappointing that we won^t gain possession of our panel asset as soon as we would have liked, this does actually work fairly favourably for the Society.

^The building at Didcot will be a lot further progressed, if not completed, by the time the panel closes. The extra time allows us further breathing space in fundraising for the move.

^It^s possible that it could even give us the time to raise enough to secure the ^whole lift^ option, which would bring great benefit to the speed and ease of the move and the reinstatement.

^It would almost certainly be true to say that securing a ^whole lift^ operation in December 2014 or Easter 2015 will see the panel working at Didcot earlier than if it was a ^dismantle^ job in August 2014.^

Swindon: Ticket Office Closure 
 
The ticket office will be closed from now until the end of the day at Swindon station.

Additional Information: 
Please purchase tickets at ticket vending machines or on train when no other means of purchasing is available.

Last Updated :02/11/2014 17:30

Swindon: Ticket Vending Machine problem 

The ticket vending machines are out of order at Swindon station.

Additional Information: 
Please purchase tickets on train when no other means of purchasing is available.

Last Updated :02/11/2014 18:44

I wonder whether the pre-booked machine is working? And if it's not, are you OK to travel?

That's all fine and dandy if travelling by FGW, but what if you have a 5 min connection at Reading or Bristol Parkway onto another operator's services? Are you supposed to miss your train to get your tickets or run the risk that the on board staff of the other TOC's service are as well informed?

That's all fine and dandy if travelling by FGW, but what if you have a 5 min connection at Reading

Swindon Panel missed out by one vote!  :o

At least 50 votes, by my reckoning, were excluded with a retrospectively added rule that new members with a zero post count were ineligible to vote. A very real danger of accusations of rigging for doing that. I've certainly expressed my disappointment at the removal of a fair number of votes.  ::)

Plans have been unveiled to replace an underpass, known as a place for muggings, with a safer footbridge.

In recent years, several violent crimes have been committed in the underpass, which links Station Road and the Oasis Leisure Centre, in Swindon.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said a bid for government cash would be needed for the ^10m project.

Last June a man was stabbed to death in the area and earlier this week a woman was sexually assaulted.

An attempted robbery and an assault on a woman also took place in the pass, which runs under the railway line, last year.
'Wider benefits'

A council spokesman said: "We want to put a pedestrian bridge across the rail line to connect North Star with the town centre but getting it built is linked to the wider regeneration of that area.

"The cost of building a bridge will be in excess of ^10m, so we will need to put in a bid to central government for the money and show the wider benefits it will bring.

"We won't get funding for that amount simply because a bridge would be safer for users than an underpass - we have to show other reasons as well."

Conservative MP for North Swindon, Justin Tomlinson, said: "This should be a thing of the past.

"As part of the town centre regeneration we would be better off having a pedestrian bridge with visibility and access," he said.

Plans to replace Swindon 'muggings' underpass

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80214000/jpg/_80214928_de27.jpg)

A council spokesman said: "The cost of building a bridge will be in excess of ^10m ... We won't get funding for that amount simply because a bridge would be safer for users than an underpass - we have to show other reasons as well."

All change as Swindon's 1960s signal box departs for museum

A signal box, which has kept trains in the West of England on track for the past 50 years, is to be preserved as a piece of railway history.

The panel, at Swindon railway station, controls trains over more than 200 miles of track.

But from the end of May, a computer in Didcot will take over and the panel will head to a transport museum.

Winchester Comercio Intrernacional are seeking permission to convert the mostly empty Signal Point building in Station Road into 77x 1 bedroom, 48x 2 bedroom and 1x 3 bedroom apartments.

Sensory garden at train station makes way for police base

(http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/resources/images/3619088.jpg?type=articleLandscape)
Louise Joachim in the sensory garden at Swindon station in 2013

(http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/resources/images/3619100.jpg?type=articleLandscape)
How the area looks now

The long-derelict sensory garden at Swindon train station has now been removed to allow British Transport Police to have a firm presence at the site.

Efforts to maintain the small fenced-off patch of concrete, previously filled with a handful of flower pots and a couple of wooden benches, have failed despite ongoing talks for around two years with a local florist.

The garden has been largely unused for years, and Louise Joachim, of Wendy House Flowers, approached the station manager towards the end of 2013 to offer her services.

At the time a First Great Western spokesman said they would welcome any local business offering to rejuvenate the garden, but after months of enquiries, Louise had no positive offers forthcoming.

Now the garden has been removed as First Great Western plans a number of improvements, including bringing police officers back to the station.

A spokesman for First Great Western said: ^To make way for further improvements at the station, including the return of the British Transport Police to an on site location, it has not been possible to maintain the sensory garden at its current location.^

Florist Louise had been keen to revitalise the area after her son developed a keen interest in trains, and she found herself spending hours on the platforms.

^There should be things people can touch and smell, where they can indulge themselves,^ she said, setting out her ideas. It could be a quiet little haven where people have a place to enjoy nature.

^I just think it should be somewhere people can enjoy. It would not just be pretty flowers ^ I want to make the garden live up to its name. I want it to appeal to all the senses, so I would like to grow flowers, herbs and fruit plants.

^The train station is people^s first impression of Swindon, and I want it to be pretty spectacular.^

The company has indicated there could still be a role for Louise, as developments will include some new cosmetic work.

The spokesman said: ^Recognising the role that rail plays to the local community and to the economy, we will continue to work to ensure that the station remains a bright and inviting environment.^

Unfortunately we have to report that we have been advised by Network Rail today that it is highly likely that the Swindon Area Signalling Renewal, and associated decommissioning of Swindon Panel, will be deferred for a third time.

It is not yet clear when the work would be deferred until, this is something that Network Rail will no doubt need to work out. We will report further details as soon as we know them and report as soon as we can on how this affects our plans and expectations for the future.

What looks like a storage unit has now replaced the garden.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/sensgdn.jpg)

News today that the closure of the panel may well be delayed for unspecified reasons.

Last February, I unexpectedly had to make a journey from Chippenham to Bristol. It was a Sunday evening (or Saturday - can't remember now) and the ticket office was closed. There are TVMs, but they were not working. Okay, I thought, I'll get a ticket on the train. I did not see any staff on the train (HST). How will I get through the barriers at BRI? I guess I'll just have to explain the situation and buy a ticket there, hope they will sell me one if I go up to them and ask. But there were no staff on the platform and the barriers were all open! Very odd. ...

I can name you some stations where you can't but tickets out of hours (or at all), you're unlikely to see the conductor in the few minutes to the next similar station as you may be standing in a train that's got several coaches.

Short of cancelling the works over the BH weekend, I don't see what else can be done. You also have to bear in mind that many Advance tickets have been purchased for the services which are running via different routes and different times than a normal weekend.

Network Rail do a pretty good job of planning work to avoid major events, but you can't expect them not to arrange work in case a football team make it to the play off finals.

I wouldn't necessarily argue with that, but by the sound of it discussions are taking place - there probably aren't enough coaches in the South of England to provide an adequate replacement service - any business needs a degree of flexibility/contingency in case of unexpected events.

That's the problem not enough coaches to go round. As a local operator do you a)accept a contract from FGW/NR to use your entire fleet over the weekend b)say no to FGW/NR in case one of the local football teams makes it to Wembley?

My theory will be that FGW will lay on extra coaches (from somewhere) to take fans all the way to London rather than just to Reading.

Short of cancelling the works over the BH weekend, I don't see what else can be done. You also have to bear in mind that many Advance tickets have been purchased for the services which are running via different routes and different times than a normal weekend.

Network Rail do a pretty good job of planning work to avoid major events, but you can't expect them not to arrange work in case a football team make it to the play off finals.

The engineering works have been in a state of flux since the decision not to transfer signalling from Swindon to the TVSC at Didcot over the bank holiday weekend as originally planned.

Network Rail say the works have been planned months in advance and the tracks are empty during this period.

A Network Rail spokesperson, said: "The work we undertake over public holidays is planned many months and frequently years in advance.

A report on BBC South Today suggested that some supporters may decide to drive to Didcot Parkway to catch a train. Good luck to them, as most of the normal service will have been diverted away from there.  To be fair, the BBC did report that FGW would be laying on road transport between Swindon and Reading.

Indeed there is a measly one fast train and one slow per hour to London on that day from Oxford. Half what is generally provided when trains can't come from Swindon. There may be some DID-RDG-PAD shuttles added.

Seems fans of Swindon's opponents, Preston North End, will also have problems due to engineering work on the West Coast Mainline.

Ever so slightly embarrassing for Preston's sponsors ..... Virgin Trains.

Pretty embarrassing situation for the railways all round I'd say.

I don't think the railways embarrass all that easily. But marketing wise it is unfortunate in the same way that the lack of trains on Boxing Day is, in that it shows how people can manage perfectly well without trains.

   However, the TOCs have been dealt a limited hand and the potentially excellent marketing and extra business for the next year really won't effect the infrastructure provider who have limited capacity to zero at Swindon in the first place (for understandable reasons!)

True - they seem quite shameless!!! -I wonder what (if any) pressure FGW have put on NR over the Swindon issue, especially over the revenue they are likely to miss out on, and to what extent NR compensate TOCs in these circumstances?

They are between a rock and a hard place. I don't think you really understand how much postponing the works is likely to cost. The contractor will need compensating for:

• hired plant that cannot be used elsewhere at such short notice;
• personnel who cannot be deployed elsewhere at such short notice;
• the costs of replanning the work to another time;
• the costs of delaying the other work that depended on this work being completed on time (further plant and personnel costs as well).

In addition they would have to consider that:

• specialist plant is not standing idle waiting for hire, it is allocated well in advance and may not be available at another time;
• there is a shortage of key skilled personnel - especially signalling resources. Not using those resources will delay further stages of this project and potentially also other projects. The skills may not be available at the new time so the delay may be much further than just a few days.

The result would more than likely be further delays to the already delayed GW modernisation programme and a further increase in the already escalated cost.

If the extra business was going to be a few ^10's millions is might just be worth it.  I suspect the increased costs of the GW improvements programme would far outweigh any increased track access charges. 

Transport police move in to new post at train station

(http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/resources/images/4097006/)

The sensory garden at Swindon train station has been replaced with a new team of transport police officers charged with manning the Wiltshire rail network seven days a week.

Officially opened last Wednesday by British Transport Police Chief Constable Paul Crowther, the team will operate out of two new fully equipped offices, one replacing the former garden.

The move has been made to allow for increased availability of officers and quicker response times to incidents arising not only in Swindon, but also the wider area of Wiltshire and south Somerset, on the rail network.

The station was previously covered by BTP officers based at Reading and Bath, which meant long response times for officers reacting to incidents at Swindon.

Superintendent Matt Allingham, commander of BTP^s Western sub-division, said: ^Swindon sits at a key location between Bath and Reading, along a very busy First Great Western route connecting London with the west of England and Wales. This new post will help us reassure passengers and allow us to provide a visible, proactive policing presence at stations and on trains. This means we can keep disruption to a minimum and keep services through Swindon running smoothly.

^BTP places a huge emphasis on working within the community with our partners like First Great Western, so I am delighted we have been able to strengthen our relationship in this way. As a force we are committed to reducing crime and disruption on the railway and increasing passenger confidence. This new policing post at Swindon will be a big step in the right direction.^

Paula Durrans, head of security for First Great Western, added: ^While total crime across our network continues to fall year-on-year as passenger numbers continue to rise, we very much welcome the BTP to Swindon and look forward to continuing our work with them to maintain the security of our stations and on board our trains.^

The company also moved to assure people the environment of the station would be maintained in the future despite the loss of the garden.

A spokesman for First Great Western said: ^To make way for further improvements at the station, including the return of the British Transport Police to an on-site location, it has not been possible to maintain the sensory garden at its current location. Recognising the role that rail plays to the local community and to the economy, we will continue to work to ensure that the station remains a bright and inviting environment.^

Swindon Heritage events commemorate 75th anniversary

(http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/resources/images/4187311/)
Swindon's Battle of Britain hero, Squadron Leader Harold Starr

As well as fighter planes of the Second World War flying over Swindon on Battle of Britain Day, a locomotive will be named after town hero Harold Starr.

Swindon Heritage has set up a series of events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of that fateful day, and our victory, that changed the course of the war.

Swindon's own fighter ace, Harold Starr, lost his life when he bailed out of his plane after being hit at 15,000 feet in the skies over Kent.

Sqd Ldr Starr was the leader of 253 Squadron. He was machine gunned to death by three BF 109s, as he parachuted from his burning plane.

He is buried in Radnor Street Cemetery where the flypast and family day will take place on Battle of Britain Day - Tuesday, September 15.

Sqd Ldr Starr's name will also live on through First Great Western's naming of a Class 43 locomotive after him.

During the week leading up to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Swindon Heritage team, led by Graham Carter, have organised a number of events for what has become the Swindon Remembers event, sponsored by First Great Western.

Graham said: "The flypast would be a tremendous honour at any time, but on the very day that the country is marking the 75th anniversary it becomes even more special. Swindon Remembers is an open invitation to everybody in the town to join in and help us remember The Few.''

Rob Mullen, general manager for the central region of FGW, said: "We are proud to be naming one of our high speed trains in honour of Harold. It is important as a country that we commemorate this anniversary and remember those who bravely gave so much.''

Network Rail plans major signalling works on November 21 and 22

TRAINS will be replaced by buses next weekend when the railway is closed around Swindon to allow Network Rail to carry out signalling works.

Replacement bus services will run from Swindon to Chippenham, Didcot and Kemble during the 48-hour shut-down over Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22, which will see no trains run through or to Swindon.

During this time Network Rail will be installing and testing a new signalling system which will replace equipment dating from the 1960s and 70s. This, they say, will pave the way for greater reliability and fewer delays for passengers and is necessary for the arrival of the new electric trains expected from 2017.

Paddy Gregg, Network Rail^s signalling project director for the Western and Wales routes, said: ^This project forms part of our programme to re-signal the whole of the Great Western route, providing passengers with greater reliability, fewer delays and smoother journeys.

^Our work to increase reliability, together with the ability of the new electric trains to reduce journey times and accommodate more passengers, will also help to drive economic growth across the Thames Valley, west and south west England.^

The work taking place over the weekend of 21 and 22 November is the second stage of the Swindon re-signalling project, which has already seen the installation of more than 700km of signalling and power cables.

Around 250 members of Network Rail^s ^orange army^ will be working along 80 miles of railway over the weekend, with testing of the new signalling system being carried out before control of the railway moves from the mechanical signal box at Swindon to the state-of-the-art Thames Valley signalling centre in Didcot early next year.

Network Rail said that all signallers who used to work at the Swindon signal box have been moved into other signalling roles, predominantly at the Thames Valley signalling centre.

Paddy said: ^Replacing and upgrading 40-year-old signalling equipment is very complex and for safety reasons must be carried out when trains aren^t running.


"I would like to thank passengers in advance for their patience and understanding while we complete this essential upgrade that will lead to greater reliability and fewer delays, and pave the way for the advantages electrification and the new electric trains will bring to both passengers and those who live close to the railway.^

The third and final stages of the Swindon re-signalling project will take place early next year, the details of which will be provided later this year.

All passengers are advised to check travel information before leaving by visiting www.gwr.com.

------

To date, the Swindon re-signalling project has included the installation of:

Eight new under-track crossings

Three new under-road crossings

Under-track and under-road crossings are large ducts that allow power, signal and telecoms cables to run from equipment on one side of the track/road to the other.

740km of new signalling and power cables

80km of telecoms cables

165 new signal post telephones, enabling train drivers to contact signallers if needed.

109 new signals

Will the work in a fortnight's time also include the small bit of the Kemble line that Swindon still controls?

... until the final stage which was going to be Christmas/New Year 2015/2016 but it looks if its slipping back again (now I wonder why ::)).

Uffington to Rushey Platt (excl) - 22/23 November

The old gantry, which was too low for the wires, has been taken down and now lies in the car park.

RailUK Forums are currently conducting a poll to see which preservation project, from a list suggested by forum members, will get a donation of ^x from RailUK's surplus funds.

One of those listed projects is the Swindon Panel Preservation.

Obviously posting here will give folk a fair idea of who I've voted for!

Members of this forum, who are also members over there, are of course free to chose whichever project they think would benefit most from the donation.  ;)

I am indeed also a member of Rail UK Forums (it's a long story ::) ), but weren't there some issues on a previous occasion over there, when the rules were changed while voting was still in progress? :-X

I'd be happy to cast my vote on this one - provided nobody moved the goalposts in the middle of the game again, so to speak.  :-X

Dates from a post on the WNXX forum (not sure of the original source for the dates as I haven't seen any official notification yet confirming them):

...   

... Rushey Platt to Wootton Bassett - 23/24 January

Wootton Bassett to Corsham/Hullavington - 20/21 February

7-5-5 I think as I'm not aware of what 3-4-2-2 means.

Oh.  :(

I was rather hoping that the blue crane arm was actually mounted in the back of that van.

In which case, I'd have liked one like that in my van.  :P

Found this as well John:
http://www.lshauctions.co.uk/national/lot/27856

Do yell if you need any help with map licences - it's a bit of a speciality of mine, I'm afraid...

Do yell if you need any help with map licences - it's a bit of a speciality of mine, I'm afraid...

You are therefore able to use the OS OpenData datasets in any way and for any purpose. We simply ask that you acknowledge the copyright and the source of the data by including the following attribution statement:

Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right (year)

Bulleid.  ;) :D ;D

What is that panel on the end of the seats doing in the second photo?!!

I do find it strange GWR went for dots across the windows and not lines as that would match the brand.

Lol if that is true what a load of nonsense,  however I cannot see that as why doesn't Exeter St Davids Platform 4 waiting room have this?

Section 7: Manifestation of glazing
Critical locations
7.1 Critical locations (see paragraph 5.1) include large uninterrupted areas of transparent glazing which form, or are part of, the internal or external walls and doors of shops, showrooms, offices, factories, public or other non-domestic buildings.
7.2 The risk of collision is greatest when two parts of the building, or the building and its immediate surroundings, are at the same level but separated by transparent glazing and people may think they can walk from one part to the other.
Permanent methods to indicate glazing, and alternative methods
7.3 People moving in or around a building might not see glazing in critical locations and can collide with it. To avoid this one of the following should be adopted.
a. Use permanent manifestation to make glazing apparent (see paragraph 7.4).
b. Use alternative indications of glazing, such as mullions, transoms, door framing or large pull or push handles (see Diagram 7.1).
7.4 Provide glass doors and glazed screens (including glazed screens alongside a corridor) with all of the following.
a. Manifestation at two levels, as shown in Diagram 7.2.
b. Manifestation that will contrast visually with the background seen through the glass, both from inside and outside, in all lighting conditions.
c. Manifestation in the form of a logo or sign, a minimum of 150mm high (repeated if on a glazed
screen), or a decorative feature such as broken lines or continuous bands, a minimum of 50mm high.
d. Where glazed doors are beside or part of a glazed screen, they are clearly marked with a high-contrast strip at the top and on both sides.
e. Where glass doors may be held open, they are protected with guarding to prevent people colliding with the leading edge.

Part of that can be read as saying "put something visible across the width of the window, at suitable heght(s), but avoid narrow lines". There are pictures to help explain this.

Lol if that is true what a load of nonsense,  however I cannot see that as why doesn't Exeter St Davids Platform 4 waiting room have this?

Photo taken today by any chance?  ;)

Didcot Parkway to Swindon and Bristol Parkway
The first phase of work will affect services between Didcot Parkway, Swindon, Chippenham, Bristol Parkway and Gloucester.
As a result, there will be no trains via Swindon on the following weekends:
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 March
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 March
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27, plus Monday 28 May (public holiday)

Already posted on Electrification Thread

Wellington Street is one of the main gateways into the town centre from Swindon’s railway station.

And work on it was a significant part of Swindon Borough Council’s attempts to give the area a bit of a facelift and make it more welcoming for visitors.

That work has been delayed through a combination of damaged water pipes under the road and the council’s contractors being asked to take-up and relay paving they’ve already put down, because the authority is not happy with what they have already done.

It means the work, which was meant to be finished by early next month, has been delayed significantly.

I was in Swindon today and noticed these works.

Opted for the bus to the outlet.. is the underpass still closed?

Nope - open again (daytime)

Railway Village, which was last year voted the country's favourite conservation area, is getting a boost today

Swindon Borough Council and Historic England are, at this moment, formally launching launched a Heritage Action Zone to protect and revitalise Railway Village, an area of Victorian housing and institutional buildings centred around the railway station and lines.

The five-year scheme will bring heritage expertise and £1.6 million of funding from Historic England, who will work with the council and other partners to revitalise

...

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/17566057.new-paving-in-swindons-gateway-has-to-be-torn-up-and-relaid/

I could have spent hours staring at it:

A new foot crossing under, or over the tracks at Swindon Railway Station, more car parking and improved information screens at the station are all on the council’s wishlist.

Two members of the borough council’s cabinet went to parliament to speak to senior staff at Network Rail which owns tracks and stations and railway service providers Great Western Railway.

The member for transport and the environment Maureen penny, and for the town centre, Dale Heenan had discussions with Mark Hopwood, the managing director of GWR and Mark Langham, boss of Network Rail Wales & Western at the House of Commons.

Iconic building at Swindon station has a brighter future as Network Rail takes back control

One of the most recognisable buildings in Swindon which is right next to the town’s station is set to get a new lease of life after Network Rail took back its ownership on 10 August.

Signal Point is steeped in railway history and still bears a huge British Rail logo on the front of the building and now Network Rail has plans to improve its look and present it as an iconic entrance to Swindon.

Network Rail have been trying to regain control of Signal Point for some years and have finally got it back into the railway family.

I agree with johnneyw. Ever since I could read the sign, I've known Signal Point as the ugly building next to Swindon station.

Mike Gallop, Network Rail's Western route director, said:

“We are excited that we can now start to plan how Signal Point and the land around it can be restored in line with plans that Swindon Borough Council have to regenerate the area.

"We will now work with the council to help develop Swindon station and the town as a whole.”

Same as the virtually identical (and virtually empty) monstrosity that is Intercity House next to Plymouth station!

There are big plans for that.  https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/rail-minister-hears-of-plans-for-intercity-place

The joining of the two IETs at Swindon wasn?t planned.

The first train from Gloucester (already cut back from Cheltenham due to late running earlier) was cancelled at Swindon due to a lack of a driver to take it forward.  So the following service from Swansea was coupled to it on platform 3.

There was also another incident at the station today.  A Swansea service from Paddington booked to go via Gloucester was routed into platform 4 - but you can?t gain the Kemble line from there.  After a 45 minute delay it was reversed out, crossed over and continued its journey.

The joining of the two IETs at Swindon wasn?t planned.

Yes - understood. Currently the only permissive platform is 2, and at 3 carriage length and no 153s around any more, the facility is unused.  So a "special" job yesterday.

Does anyone know why Swindon's original platform 4 and building was demolished and replaced by the horrible mess by BR? When was it demolished and replaced?

Does anyone know why Swindon's original platform 4 and building was demolished and replaced by the horrible mess by BR? When was it demolished and replaced?

A pity they didn't keep the 4-track section with the South platform - looks like there was space even with the tower block.

Of course.

An extra, rear access road must always have precedence over a main railway line.

OTC

Swindon railway station a 'gateway' for drug trafficking

Swindon railway station has become a "gateway" for young people bringing class A drugs into the south west from London, police say.

British Transport Police says good public transport links to the capital means criminals are sending children to ferry drugs via the town.

The pandemic has made it easier to spot people transporting drugs due to low passengers numbers, the force added.

The Children's Society says the children need to be seen as "victims".

The head of a dedicated British Transport Police (BTP) drugs taskforce, Det Supt Gareth Williams, said: "Swindon is a bit of a gateway location for going deeper into the south west, but also a great train route from London.

"What we've seen is mainly London residents being involved in the local (Swindon) drug market and on into Wiltshire.

"With dwindling passenger numbers that are involved, people who are involved in (drug dealing) stand out."

Yes, still that sort of thing.  Billions for a tunnel under Stonehenge approved today against planning advise, and still a single track with just a few loops on The Mule, with electrification expired before Chippenham and even before the end of the outer suburban Service on the Berks and Hants.

How will the tunnel be when measured against climate targets?

All is not certain - Stonehenge tunnel campaigners win court battle at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-58024139

Swindon Honda rail terminal up for sale for £2.2 million

"The rail facility remains connected currently to the main Swindon - London network and could be fully operated by a new party, subject to the necessary consents with Network Rail.

"The current agreement with Network Rail is being renewed and a draft is available on request and includes termination rights on short notice."

I didn't realise the NHS died in 2023!

There's a short film on twitter from GWR showing it being named by the first person born after the NHS was formed back in 1948. She has the female form of the founder's forename

Currently showing all lines blocked and disruption expected until 15.00.

Does anyone know exactly where the flooding is?

Currently showing all lines blocked and disruption expected until 15.00.

Does anyone know exactly where the flooding is?

Network Rail's tweeted a photo, not sure of the precise location. I mean, they'll know, but I don't.

Changing at Trowbridge onto the bus from there to Swindon, you have 87 minutes travelling - perhaps 120 minutes in total.

Customer Advice

During this disruption if you wish to use local buses as an alternative means of transport and the local bus is not accepting GWR tickets please purchase a ticket on the bus, keep it and send it, together with your train ticket, to us to claim for a refund.
Stagecoach route 49: Swindon (Bus Station), Trowbridge (Town Bridge) are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.

Route(s) affected
Between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa / Bristol Temple Meads / Weston-super-Mare / Cardiff Central / Swansea; and also between Swindon and Westbury
Description
Heavy rain flooding the railway at Swindon means that all lines are currently blocked.
Trains running through this station may be cancelled, severely delayed by up to 60 minutes or diverted.
Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.
There are no routes available between Bristol / Gloucester or Swindon. Passengers are being advised not to travel.
Passengers with tickets dated today, Friday 20 October, are advised that if they wish, they can travel tomorrow, Saturday 21 October. A ticket easement has been granted for the entire Great Western Railway network.
Customer advice:
The railway is flooded in the Wootton Bassett area, between Swindon and Chippenham. Until the water level reduces and safety checks are carried out, trains are unable to run through the affected area. This means services are unable to run between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads via Chippenham and Bath Spa.
Trains can run on a diversionary route between Reading and Bath Spa but will be unable to call at Swindon or Didcot Parkway.
Great Western Railway now aim to operate an hourly service between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads departing XX:30 from Paddington, and XX:00 from Bristol Temple Meads.
Passengers at Didcot Parkway or Swindon wishing to travel towards Bristol stations or South Wales are advised to travel to Reading and await the hourly services towards Bristol Temple Meads and then change there for services to Bristol Parkway and South Wales.
A very limited replacement road transport service is operating between Swindon, Chippenham and Bath Spa in both directions.
Ticket acceptance:
Customers may use their tickets at no additional cost onboard the following services (though these services may be impacted due to the severe weather):
Stagecoach Buses route 55 between Swindon and Chippenham
Stagecoach Buses route 49 between Swindon and Trowbridge
Transport for Wales between Newport and Gloucester
During this disruption if you wish to use local buses as an alternative means of transport and the local bus is not accepting Great Western Railway tickets, please purchase a ticket on the bus, keep it and send it, together with your train ticket, to Great Western Railway to claim for a refund.
Additional information:
Network Rail are using route proving trains through the affected areas to determine if it is safe for passenger trains to travel. If it is determined safe, they will reopen the lines.
However, due to the water levels currently making the railway unsafe, trains are unable to run via Chippenham and Bath Spa.
Check before you travel:
You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner
For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility information, please use this page.
You can find the location of your replacement bus by checking station signs or by searching for your station on our station information pages.
Compensation:
You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.

Would it be beyond the capability of the railway to provide services between Bristol and Chippenham?

Probably not - but how would it be paid for under current contracts?

Would it not count as a truncated part of the Bristol-Paddington service that the contract requires?

Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham

Due to heavy rain flooding the railway at Swindon the line is blocked. Disruption is expected until 12:00 21/10.
Train services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham have been cancelled.

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Swansea via Bristol Parkway

Due to heavy rain flooding the railway at Swindon the line is blocked. Disruption is expected until 12:00 21/10.
Train services between London Paddington and Swansea via Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central have been cancelled

Cancellations to services between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads via Chippenham

Due to heavy rain flooding the railway at Swindon the line is blocked. Disruption is expected until 12:00 21/10.
Train services between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads via Chippenham and Bath Spa have been cancelled.

But a further update released on social media tonight by Great Western Railway (GWR) has said service alterations will need to last until at least Saturday. The update says "We are sorry for the disruption caused by flooding on the railway at Swindon today.

"An amended timetable will remain in place for the rest of the day and until at least midday tomorrow. Tickets for travel today will be valid for journeys tomorrow or on Sunday."

A picture of the roofless platform was shared on social media, with some quick to use it as another sign of the decline of Swindon's facilities.

But Network Rail has now confirmed that the roof was removed as part of ongoing redevelopment work to make the station look better.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re carrying out a full refurbishment of the canopies on Platforms 1 and 3 at Swindon, in keeping with the stone station building’s Grade II listed status.

[snip]

“The work on Platform 1 was completed in May and we are now working on Platform 3, replacing the timber and glass parts of the structure. Platform 3 is being completed in two sections so that shelter for passengers continues to be available outside as well as inside."

“The work is due to be completed in March next year and we’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this essential maintenance which will last for decades to come.”

Village transformed from 'no-go area to a delight'

Swindon: Platform Lifts

The lifts on platforms 1, 2 and 3 are not working at Swindon.
There is no step free way of leaving these platforms.

Any assist customers on services booked to use those platforms who require step-free access should be placed on a service booked to use platform 4 or provided an alternative.