BRIDGWATER'S train users can look forward to more comfortable travel by the end of 2018, a meeting of Friends of Bridgwater Station was told this week.

Great Western Railway (GWR) plans to introduce four coaches on every service, and 90mph speeds en route from Taunton to Cardiff, guest speaker Lewis Ward from GWR revealed.

Re-design of the rail station forecourt, including facilities for cars, buses, cycles and taxis, is scheduled for completion by August 2018.

A Community Room is to be introduced, on the site of the former model railway shop, and Friends of Bridgwater Station are asking for ideas as to how this could be developed for use by local organisations. Ideas already suggested are heritage exhibitions and education.

A spokesman for The Friends of Bridgwater Station said: "These are welcome developments, but they are only a beginning. Bridgwater needs train services and station facilities to meet the needs of an expanding population and increased industrial growth.

"Six months ago, GWR promised an extension to ticket office opening hours but we are still waiting. Friends of Bridgwater Station call upon GWR to employ the staff needed to provide a service at Bridgwater station comparable to other stations in the region."

The Friends of Bridgwater Station also say the 'dangerous gap' between platform and trains must be remedied – suggesting potentially installing a 'Harrington Hump' on a section of both platforms.

The Friends' spokesman continued: "Somerset County Council should do a great deal more to lobby the Department for Transport and local MPs for service improvements.

"It should also respond to requests to re-instate the County Transport Forum, so that transport providers, campaigners and council representatives can meet regularly to share ideas and aspirations."

The Friends of Bridgwater Station want a half-hourly train service in both directions and a fully-staffed station service and say the renewal of the Cross-Country franchise in 2020 provides an opportunity to lobby for more inter-city trains to call at Bridgwater.

For more information about the Friends of Bridgwater Station email glenburrows@btinternet.com.