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August 2012 NewsletterA round up of news and views We are focusing on two extremely important transition issues this month: one local and one global - your help is needed with both: Direct rail service to London Paddington to be cut - The DfT has recently published their 'Invitation to Tender' for the new Great Western Franchise: this document envisages a diesel shuttle service between Bedwyn and Newbury, with no direct services to London Paddington. In addition, there is no mention of the semi-fast trains that currently run between Paddington and Westbury/Exeter, that could have filled some of the gaps in the service. If this document is not amended it will effectively down-grade Bedwyn station as a commuter link to any stations east of Newbury, by both increasing the journey time and reducing the number of trains that stop there. Passengers will be forced to get off at Newbury, climb over the bridge, buy a ticket and wait for the next train. The situation is likely to be even worse for Pewsey passengers as their semi-fast trains may not run at all in future.
The Bedwyn Train Passenger Group's detailed response to the DfT document can be downloaded from the bottom of the Transport Page - just click the blue button at the bottom of the page if the download table isn't being shown.
BTPG, TM's Transport Group and the Transport Group for Devizes Community Area Partnership (DCAP) have already written to Claire Perry MP. We have been told that she has set up a meeting with the Minister to raise these issues.
Please get in touch with her as soon as possible to voice your concerns: claire.perry.mp@parliament.uk
Save the Arctic - The ice at the top of the world reflects much of the sun’s heat back into space and keeps our whole planet cool, stabilising the weather systems that we depend on to grow our food. Protecting the ice means protecting us all. BUT In the last 30 years, we’ve lost as much as three-quarters of the floating ice cap at the top of the world.
We need to act fast so please click on this Greenpeace link and sign the action to declare the arctic a Global Sanctuary free from oil exploitation, over fishing and the arms race. 20 years ago such pressure helped to save the Antarctic so there's a chance for the Arctic too.
1,459,038 HAVE SIGNED so far and the target is 2 million so please sign online.
Prefer texting? Text the word 'Arctic' followed by your name to the freetext number 60002 And just a couple of reminders:
Thanks
The Transition Marlborough team
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