Severn Beach line congratulated on upgrades

Date: 19/10/2009

Transport minister Chris Mole paid a visit to Bristol late last week to check out the improved Severn Beach railway line.

The minister rode on the track and met local community leaders.

Commenting on the line, which now benefits from more frequent services and upgraded stations, Mr Mole said it had been a "runaway success".

"We are absolutely committed to ensuring rail services meet the needs of local people and that's why we have backed these Community Rail partnerships," he said.

"I would like to congratulate everyone who has contributed to this initiative."

In the last five years there has been a doubling in the amount of passengers on the service, which runs in the Bath and Bristol area.

Community Rail was set up in 2004 and enables local residents to better interact with train operators so that better services are produced.

Thomas Cook has suggested the Severn Beach line is one of the most scenic railways in Europe.