SRA changes give chance to make case for Portishead rail link

12.00.00am GMT Mon 19th Jan 2004

Liberal Democrats in Woodspring constituency have said that the Government's review of the Strategic Rail Authority and the management of rail services gives a fresh opportunity to press for the funding needed to restore the Portishead to Bristol rail link.

The Government is expected today to announce a review of the Strategic Rail Authority with a view to taking some of its powers away and returning them to Ministers. Experts have suggested that the SRA's focus will be shifted onto delivery of improvements and away from strategic issues.

The Liberal Democrat Parliamentary for Woodspring constituency, Mike Bell, says that the review should prompt a fresh bid for the Portishead-Bristol rail link.

Mike Bell said: "The review of the SRA will almost certainly mean a review of priorities. We must not miss this chance to put a strong case forward for the people of Portishead and surrounding areas to get the much-needed rail link with Bristol.

"Whilst it seems almost crisis management for the Government to be reviewing the functions of an authority they created only a few years ago, this could be a key time to push Portishead's rail needs to the forefront."