At my regular surgery this week Jack Lopresti MP met with Olga from Pilning regarding the local train station. Despite having services limited to one platform after the station bridge was removed, the Save Pilning Station pressure group has used inventive methods, such as a competition to use as many train services as possible and return to the station with 5 hours, to increase passenger numbers.
Having shown progress to make the station more sustainable, Jack Lopresti MP will be writing to the Secretary of State for Transport to highlight the fact that passenger figures have doubled and to raise concern that Network Rail are abusing their remit to carry out minor modifications to train stations without review. He will also be writing to Great Western Rail in support of Olga’s application for lighting on platform 1 to keep the station fit for purpose.
Jack believes that for our area to prosper and attract more jobs, excellent infrastructure and transport links are needed. Pilning plays a part in this as it can offer commuting opportunities for those working in Filton as well as offer rail links to Bristol for those travelling in from South Gloucestershire or Wales.