Letter to Rail Minister Lord Hendy from Cabinet Office at Gloucestershire County Council
Dear Lord Hendy
I am writing on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) and Forest of Dean District Council (FoDDC) via the Forest of Dean Cabinet Panel, regarding the improvement of rail connectivity between Gloucestershire and South Wales to address accessibility barriers, reduce transport-related social exclusion and support sustainable growth.
During a recent review of transport connectivity and economic growth within the Forest of Dean, members discussed the strategic importance of reliable and frequent rail services linking local communities with employment, education and economic opportunities in South Wales and beyond. Lydney station, which is served by the hourly Transport for Wales Cardiff Central to Cheltenham Spa service and less frequently by the Cross County Cardiff Central to Nottingham service, is the only railway station serving the Forest of Dean currently. There are no direct rail services to/from the Forest of Dean and Bristol, requiring a change at Severn Tunnel Junction.
Members and officers have highlighted the significant role that transport connectivity plays in supporting economic growth, labour market participation and access to essential services. The Forest of Dean has the lowest job density in Gloucestershire, meaning that many residents rely on commuting to neighbouring areas for employment opportunities. This is already putting strain
on our local and strategic road network with increased congestion and delays, especially at the
River Wye crossing. Transport accessibility remains a barrier for many residents in the district and that improved public transport links are essential to supporting sustainable access, reducing car dependence and decreasing accessibility barriers. The matter has been raised by Matthew Bishop MP following enquiries from local constituents to address concerns regarding local rail connectivity.
A more frequent rail service between Gloucestershire and South Wales, with a regular two train per hour frequency calling at Lydney, would have a number of benefits that we ask you consider:
• Enhanced interchange at Severn Tunnel Junction for Bristol-bound rail journeys.
• Strengthen links between labour markets and employment in Gloucestershire,
South Wales and Greater Bristol.
• Improve access to employment opportunities for residents travelling in both
directions by public transport.
• Support access to further and higher education.
• Encourage modal shift away from private car use.
• Improving transport choice and making the network more resilient.
• Support wider decarbonisation and sustainable transport objectives.
Nationally significant rail investment programmes such as Midlands Rail Hub and the South Wales Mainline Programme provide significant opportunities to bolster rail connectivity for the Forest of Dean and wider Birmingham-South Wales corridor. Members therefore unanimously supported lobbying for a second train per hour between Gloucestershire and South Wales, including connections at Severn Tunnel Junction, recognising the strategic importance of cross border travel for residents and businesses.
We would welcome your consideration of this request and would be grateful for any information on planned service enhancements, feasibility work or future opportunities to improve rail connectivity along this corridor.
Yours sincerely
Cllr Julian Tooke
Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure
Chair of the Forest of Dean Cabinet Panel
Cllr Roger Whyborn
Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Road Safety