Commuters and families living in Charfield have welcomed the news that Charfield Station will be reopening, as Luke Hall MP’s campaign reached another key milestone this week.
The project will return train services to the heart of the village after almost 60 years, which will help residents have quicker access to Bristol and elsewhere in South Gloucestershire and help to boost the local economy. Students, workers and families are set to benefit from the project, which is a key part of Luke Hall’s efforts to Get South Gloucestershire Moving.
The MP has worked for some time with members of the South Gloucestershire Council and West of England Combined Authority to secure the investment and approval, highlighting its importance in supporting sustainable transport and local efforts to tackle the Climate Emergency as well as providing access to jobs, education and a wider variety of services.
Councillors on South Gloucestershire Council’s strategic sites delivery committee approved planning permission for the station on Thursday, 2nd March meaning building can soon commence.
The plans include two platforms serving north and southbound journeys, a pedestrian footbridge, a public transport interchange, covered cycle parking, and car parking.
Luke Hall MP welcomed the major announcement for train services in Charfield saying:
“This is fantastic news. The village’s railways services will be a vital asset for our community, whether it is continuing to work, visiting family, or travelling to school and colleges. The village has been without a station for almost 60 years and opening a new station in Charfield will make public transport more accessible for rural communities and help encourage more people to make the switch to sustainable travel.”
“Opening Charfield Railway Station has been a long-running part of my Positive Plan for Transport in South Gloucestershire. I am delighted to see planning permission has been granted to make this aspiration become a reality. There has always been a huge amount of community support for opening the station. We have demonstrated to the Council and the Combined Authority the need for a new Charfield station and have now got these plans over the finish line.”
Earlier this year, the MP also confirmed that half hourly rail services will begin in May between Bristol, Yate and Gloucester. Charfield Station, which is included on this route will also benefit from this announcement.
