One-off diversion takes 30 minutes off train journey

A diversion due to engineering works shaved 30 minutes off of one rail journey, sparking calls for a permanent fast train to be introduced.

Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson wants regular fast services between Cheltenham Spa and London Paddington after one train on the route arrived in one hour and 34 minutes — half an hour quicker than usual.

"What is it that means that we can't have that service more often?" Wilkinson asked.

Engineering works meant part of the railway between Didcot and Oxford was closed on 4 February, causing the diversion. GWR said speeding up the service permanently would mean the train no longer stopped between Cheltenham and Swindon, which "may not meet customer needs".

Wilkinson said the Cheltenham to London rail service was a "constant talking point" for professionals in his constituency, due to peak-time costs and the time the journey takes.

He claimed people in Cheltenham often drive to Kemble, Kingham or Swindon to save money and time on their journeys.

Wilkinson said he had asked for quicker journeys to be implemented ahead ofthe Golden Valley project, a large cyber security development,coming to fruition.

"Over time, there's going to be a lot more jobs in Cheltenham... a lot of people who will be working in these jobs in the cyber and tech industry in Cheltenham will want more convenient access to London," he added.

"Having a quicker service would mean that Cheltenham becomes a more attractive place to do business and to live.

"I was just really interested that, despite the suggestions that we couldn't get to London quicker than two hours, actually it seems we probably can."

GWR said it regularly reviewed demand to ensure its timetable met customer needs across the whole network.

"This means making the best use of our trains – deploying capacity where it's needed most while maintaining vital connections for all communities," a spokesperson added.

"Ultimately, it is balancing competing demands to deliver the best possible service for all customers who rely on the railway."

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