For anyone interested in local transport, The Melksham Transport User Group is holding a public ‘rebirth’ meeting this month for anyone who would like to help run the community group or learn more about local transport in Melksham.
There will be two meetings on Friday 25th October held in the cafe at the Campus: one at 2.30pm and again at 6.30pm to allow anyone to attend who prefers to stay at home in the evening, or for those who work in the day.
“The group has been running for many years and most of the active volunteers and supports are no longer able to be active,” explained the group’s chair, Graham Ellis.
“The Melksham Transport User Group and its predecessors have had many achievements over the years working with service providers and local government and businesses. A once closed railway station now has trains all day every day, with around 70,000 journeys a year being made. Sounds good, is good but the service is still infrequent and passenger numbers would be several times higher.
“Although the group’s roots can be traced back to trains, it is equally active on behalf of local bus services. Although some town buses were lost during Covid, we campaigned to help save the evening bus services to and from Bath and are at present celebrating new and improved Sunday services too.
“This is a time of great opportunity, but also of great risk, with a new government looking to mould public transport provision fit for coming years but at the same time looking to save money where they can. Here in Melksham, community, campaign and volunteer input has helped shape our public transport for the better and can do so further into the future.
“We would love to have you along to the meeting. It is the community who count.”
Pictured: Graham Ellis at Melksham Railway Station
