AN increase in trains stopping at Chepstow and Lydney as part of a trial by Arriva Crosscountry has resulted in a 10-15 per cent increase in commuters, but there are still shortcomings at key times, says Severn Tunnel Action Group spokes­man David Flint.

The group works closely with Chepstow, Caldicot and Lydney groups pressing for improved rails services, and says what is really needed is a confirmed hourly service throughout the day.

As it is there are serious gaps for Gloucester-Cardiff travel mid and late morning – just the times when many might want to go on shopping trips – as well as the link to Bristol during commuter runs.

However, passenger volumes had now increased by 10-15 per cent on most days from Chepstow since the Crosscountry stops, while a 4.10pm train from Gloucester is proving increasingly popular with commuters.

"I'm sure with a regular hourly service train operators will get the passenger numbers they want – the passengers just need the assurance that they can rely on the service," said Mr Flint.

He said more improvements were vital, with new housing projects coming on stream, particularly in Lydney, where he had heard that a high percentage of the 700 new homes promised may be sold to people who come from Bristol and probably have jobs there.

Worrying trends were increased emphasis on Valley transport by the Assembly when it came to subsidies, at the expense of mainline services, and overcrowding being accepted as the 'norm' before any action was taken by train companies to increase capacity.

However he was sure when reviews of passenger numbers are published soon, train companies will have the proof they need to make improvements.

He was also sure that Gloucestershire County Council and the Forest council were listening sympathetically to calls for a better service in the region.

"We will keep up the pressure. It is more necessary than ever with more people coming to live here," he said.