MELKSHAM’S Graham Ellis, of The Melksham Rail User Group, took part in the recent climate march in Bristol which he says was described as the “biggest protest march ever in Bristol”despite the pouring rain.
Graham said, “Estimates of numbers ranged from 15,000 people upwards. Perhaps the rain was “poetic justice”; a warmer climate means more evaporation from the sea thus more rain.
“Wiltshire Council has declared a climate emergency, and is working out how to reduce emissions across the county. Nearly a half of the CO2 emissions in Wiltshire now come from transport, with a quarter each from the domestic and industry sectors. Transport emissions have not fallen at anything like the rate of other sectors.
“Personally. I reduced my driving in the last decade from 30,000 miles a year to about 1,000. I use trains and buses where I can. That cuts my emissions from 171 g/km to 41 g/km (train). Using services that are running anyway, I’m not adding extra by making my journey.
“Melksham is fortunate – it now has a useful train service, and buses to neighbouring towns. Using public transport, residents can reduce their CO2 footprint. Better, they can travel without the need to find parking at the far end. Without the need to spend time behind the wheel when they could be texting, sleeping, reading or simply enjoying the view.”
The Melksham Rail User Group meets at the Union Church (just off the Market Place) on 18th March at 19:30. All are welcome. Agenda items include a brief report from Graham, an update on bus changes in April and train changes in May, and plans to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the reopening of Melksham Station in late spring.
See http://www. mrug.org.uk where there are also links to bus and train timetables and fare information.
