THE WOMAN in charge of the four local railway stations met campaigners and councillors at each. Georgia Cottrell was recently appointed by Arriva Trains Wales as manager for Lydney, Chepstow, Caldicot and Severn Tunnel stations.

Among the issues raised were the poor connections from Lydney and Chepstow to Bristol, and access at Lydney with the need to open the underpass to allow passengers to get to Cardiff-bound trains after the level crossing barriers have come down.

Official figures show that the number of people travelling from Lydney and Chepstow to Bristol had increased by 140 per cent in five years, said rail campaigner David Flint.

At Chepstow, Monmouthshire county councillors David Dovey and Peter Farley, along with ticket agent Tony Pritchett, raised the questions of additional seating and shelter and re-opening the station toilets.

At Caldicot signage, flooding in the underpass, and litter problems on Network Rail land were mentioned as well as the possibility that the station may be closed for several months because of electrification of the main London to Cardiff line.

Colin James of the Severn Tunnel Action said the lack of trains from Caldicot to Chepstow, Lydney and Gloucester made the situation "dire".