DIDCOT and Wantage MP Ed Vaizey, local, and district councillors and users of Appleford Station will meet Great Western Railway at a public meeting on October 16 at 6.30pm in Appleford Village Hall.

The communities of Appleford, Sutton Courtenay and Long Wittenham are concerned that Appleford station needs to provide a much needed transport link to Didcot /London and Oxford.

However, recent GWR cuts to off-peak train stops have increased the difficulty of completing a round trip, for work or leisure.

A London-bound commuter now has to endure a 13-hour daily commute.

Users are seeking commitments from GWR to maintain and improve the train service throughout the work day and weekend.

Village communities rely particularly on the train link as there are no viable bus services. Local roads and river crossings at Culham and Clifton Hampton are increasingly congested.

In the coming years, employment growth areas like Culham Science Centre will make nearby communities even more convenient places to reside.

Regular local stopping services must be available between Appleford and all stations towards Oxford, Didcot and beyond.

Passengers are fighting back and have set up the Appleford Rail Group (ARG) to work with GWR to improve facilities at the station and secure long term train service to suit the needs of all users.

ARG recognise that the rail line between Didcot and Oxford is under pressure from through services and freight.

Residents are requesting that GWR provides public transport that is balanced and meets their work and social needs.

Freight and inter-city services should not displace local stopping services and force passengers onto congested roads.

LUCY GUINN
GREG O’BROIN
CHRIS HANCOCK

Appleford Rail Group