MADAM – Following your item relating to the “MPs slam rail service hold ups”.

The re-doubling of the railway between Swindon and Kemble was approved, funds allocated and planning commenced prior to the previous election.

All stakeholders, local authorities and the MP were effective in achieving this.

That is the only reason the project has been successfully completed within the timescale.

There has been a certain amount of disruption but this has already been cancelled out by the improvement in rail services.

Increase in speed limits and the non hold up of services due to late running and delaying services at either Kemble or Swindon are beneficial.

Readers will be aware of the huge investment in electrification and new trains by 2017.

When services to Swansea from London are diverted via the Stroud Valley as the direct route will be closed with at least double the capacity, delays will again be reduced, caused by these additional services.

As there are no spare trains in the UK at the moment due to the forthcoming changes and lack of ordering by previous governments this has been a well known fact to all parties – especially local MPs – for years.

I am sure all will be worthwhile when all projects are completed.

With the local MPs who keep raising the same pointless points and arguments it is the run-up to the next election in May and trying to win votes.

Bryan Beauchamp

Ex-railway employee and supporter Rodborough