From my inbox:
Dear Stakeholders,
We are pleased to advise you of the following public consultation events, which will be held during January in connection with the public consultation for the future Great Western franchise. Please note that the time and venue for the Reading event will be confirmed in due course. Please keep an eye on our consultation web-site at
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/great-western-rail-franchise in case of any changes to the dates or times.
If you are a representative of a user group or Community Rail Partnership, please publicise these events to your members. We look forward to welcoming you at one of our events.
Best wishes,
[team members by name]
I remember in 2005 missing any (if there was any) publicity and public engagement about the Francise at the point that First Group won the new combined franchise and I applaud the
DfT» team who are making very sure to engage a great deal this time around. I'm sure some members will find fault with their locations, timing, content but I'm going to suggest that we are in such a different environment to ten years ago and I celebrate the involvement of users and groups like it didn't happen - at least in our area - a decade ago.
Exeter 10 January
Worcester 12 January
Southampton 17 January
Cardiff 18 January
Bristol 19 January
Trowbridge 24 January
Truro 25 January
Reading Date TBC