THIS is not a ghost train, but it has stopped at a ghost station!

Yes Lydney, the station for the Forest, has disappeared from railway maps and even from a timetable.

And some rail users are now concerned it will disappear for good.

"It's not a good sign. How do the rail companies expect people to use their trains if they do not show the station on maps and do not include it in their timetables?" a rail-user told the Review.

He has already asked Forest MP Diana Organ to get the companies involved to correct the omissions.

"There is even a large poster on display at the station regarding refranchising which also omits Lydney," he said.

The station has disappeared from the map and guide to the national rail network from the Central Trains brochure and from the Wales and Borders Trains brochure.

Train times to and from Lydney have also disappeared from the Central trains Nottingham-Birmingham-Cardiff timetable.

Forest of Dean District Council economic development officer Mr Nick Rawlings said it was disappointing the station had been left off railway network maps, but he was optimistic there was a brighter future ahead for the rail service locally.

The council was keen to raise the profile of the station and talks were progressing with the county council, Railtrack and Wales and Borders Trains. Two or three design options for improvements were being prepared and would be considered at a later date.

Mr Rawlings said there was a strong belief the station had a positive future and it was hoped to involve other parties such as the Lydney Partnership in planning improvements such as better carparking and links with bus timetables.