WITH the nature of local train provision on the line, Ledbury people will have the opportunity to make their views known at a public meeting, next week.

The meeting has been organised by the town council because the current Great Western Service franchise, between Hereford and London Paddington and intermediate stations, expires in March and public consultation on the matter ends on February 21.

Deputy Mayor of Ledbury, Cllr Keith Francis, called for the meeting because there are few references to the local Cotswold Line in the consultation document, and he wants local voices to be heard.

Issues for discussion include retaining the current franchise or splitting into two or more separate franchises; station improvements including accessibility; frequency and timetable improvements.

Cllr Francis said: "The recent Town Plan identified a number of issues that need addressing including car parking, non-step access to the Worcester platform, frequency of services, later evening services.

"Individuals can respond to the consultation, but we want to make a community response.

"I have called a meeting for Tuesday January 23 at 7pm in Town Council Offices for anyone who is interested in having an input into the response"

He added: "As part of the Town Plan there was a section on transport and several issues were identified that needed addressing including car parking, non-step access to the Worcester platform, frequency of services, an later evening services."

A hard copy of the Consultation Document is available in Ledbury Town Council Offices or it can be viewed on line at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/great-western-rail-franchise