If we are serious about tackling the North Somerset traffic problems, then increased rail travel has to be one of the solutions. Long Ashton used to have a train station, and there are already serious suggestions that a new station could be opened on the Bristol to Exeter line.
At the moment, the Fenswood Farm development application, put forward by the University, includes a plan for the new station. While I am 100% against the development of the farm, the application shows that a train station is at least feasible and to be taken seriously.
If elected I would push very hard for a new station, in combination with the finishing of the Bristol-Nailsea cycle path, which would pass right by the station, and improvements to our bus services.
Less locally, we should also push for the Portishead line to open – that again would have a positive effect on congestion in the area. It only requires 3 miles of track and a station to connect Portishead to the network.
