Calls to improve Cam and Dursley train station backed by MP

Apart from the expansion of the car park, the station has not been significantly developed since it opened nearly 30 years ago in 1994. 

And this week, MP Siobhan Baillie told the SNJ that she backed the calls saying: “This all sounds completely sensible and I am happy to work with everyone to see what can be done to improve facilities at the station. 

“I am happy to use my reach in Westminster to talk to the Department for Transport and with Network Rail and GWR too.”

The stop - the only station in the district with direct access to Bristol - currently has just two metal shelters but no waiting rooms or toilets.

Passengers say the shelters are too small to accommodate the many commuters who use the service, with passengers being left out in the wind and rain.

The calls for action come ahead of the winter season and with plans in the pipeline for hundreds of new homes in the area which will lead to greater use.

Commuter David Smith, secretary of Cam and Dursley Transportation Group, told the SNJ about a recent journey last Tuesday. 

Mr Smith said: "I caught an early train to Bristol and was waiting with my wife and around a dozen other passengers.

"There was a heavy shower and everyone took refuge in the shelter but there was only just enough room.

Commuter Elizabeth Oakley beside one of the existing shelters at Cam and Dursley train station - photo by David Smith (Image: Newsquest)

"This is September and the weather is likely to get worse.

"The shelters on both platforms are far too small and there are no other facilities, no toilets or waiting rooms.

"One of the last surveys done before Covid showed that about 180,000 people use the station annually and they come from the Stroud Valleys as well as the Cam and Dursley area. 

"More houses are under construction at Box Road and the Littlecombe estate is still being developed which means more potential users."

County councillor Wendy Thomas (Lab, Dursley) is also calling for action.

"With the exception of the expansion of the car park, repainting of the shelters and the addition of electronic display boards, the station has had minimal infrastructure improvements over the last 15-20 years," she said.

"There are still just two small shelters which do not provide enough space for waiting passengers to get cover from the wind and rain. 

"Despite the growth in passenger numbers over the last two decades, there is still no toilet provision. 

"And as we do not benefit from the extra half-hourly service that was recently put on, if passengers miss their train, it is usually a full hour before there is another. 

"I would be keen to ask Great Western Railway what their long-term plans are."

READ MORE: Disappointment as train station misses out on timetable upgrade 

Great Western Railway say they currently have 'no plans' for improvements at Cam and Dursley train station (Image: Newsquest)

A GWR spokesperson said: "I can confirm that there are no planned improvements to the station. 

"Stations are owned by Network Rail and operated by train operating companies. 

"All planned improvements require bids for funding, from Network Rail, GWR the DfT and often local partners, for example the councils.

"We operate trains to over 280 stations, and manage and maintain a little over 200 of them ourselves. 

"All improvements have to be evaluated and prioritised to benefit the greatest number of people while providing value for money for the taxpayer. 

"We do, however, welcome the opportunity to engage with local partners."