Great Western Railway (GWR) cuts could trigger 'existential' crisis for Hungerford

RAIL service cuts combined with falling school rolls and a GP shortage at the town surgery could create a perfect storm for Hungerford, town councillors have warned.

The reduction of direct rail services from Bedwyn to London in May, from 19 to nine a day, could create an "existential threat", councillor Nick Schlanker told colleagues at this month's full town council meeting.

He reminded the meeting of the other threats facing the town, such as falling pupil numbers which threaten school funding; the lack of affordable housing and the shortage of GPs at The Hungerford Surgery and the difficulty of attracting new ones.

Councillor Keith Knight agreed, saying: "This is going to be a big blow for Hungerford – and Kintbury and Great Bedwyn, too."

Great Western Railway (GWR) has said it has been forced to wield the axe because the Department for Transport has told the company to cut costs.

The axed Paddington direct Inter City Express (IET) off-peak services will be replaced by diesel shuttle services to Newbury.

The Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group (BTPG) has pointed out: "Ironically our three IET will be redeployed to a non-electrified area of the network – so that’ll be circa £200m of rolling stock designed for electric traction unable to make use of it.

"Additionally the Bedwyn siding was extended, at a cost in excess of £1m, to accommodate the IETs.

"The extension will now be a white elephant."

Town mayor Helen Simpson described the situation as "absolutely crazy".

She added: "We must do everything in our power to fight this.

"It's been a vital service for Hungerford, and even more so for Great Bedwyn."

BTPG has urged passengers: "Please let us know which trains are currently essential for school and college travel.

"Write to your MP: laura.farris.mp@parliament.uk or danny.kruger.mp@parliament.uk"

Mrs Simpson said she, too, would be writing to Newbury MP Laura Farris to stress the strength of feeling over the cuts.

Councillors said they would also consider inviting Mrs Farris to a future full town council meeting to discuss the issues raised.