HAVING waited such a long time for the re-doubling of the Swindon to Kemble railway, it now feels like we have been led up the garden path to the gate and shown the promised land, only to be told we can go no further.

Stroud MP Neil Carmichael this week echoed his concern that although this scheme was meant to be part of a bigger plan to develop rail services, we have been left in limbo.

Despite a £45 million government investment, and despite the fact the infrastructure is now in place, there is not a jot of benefit for commuters from that station or from Stroud to be had.

We have all put up with disruption while the re-doubling work took place.

To make matters worse, commuters may have to put up with even more disruptions while Network Rail diverts other trains during electrification of the railway to Swansea.

There has already been a huge amount of disruption while the redoubling was being carried out which, given the average commuter to London pays more than £8,000 for a season ticket and is lucky to get a seat, seems like a bit of a kick in the teeth.

Why do we have to wait until 2017 for the service to improve? This was sold to us as opening up opportunities and encouraging investment from businesses based in London who would bring money into the county.

At the moment, and for the foreseeable future, everything stops and starts at Swindon.

Frustrated commuters don’t need this hassle before they even begin their working day.

When we are all being encouraged to think green, to use public transport and to get more cars off the road, this is just one big contradiction.