THE Arriva Trains stations manager for Lydney, Chepstow, Caldicot and Severn Tunnel Junction, Georgia Cottrell, has met councillors and rail lobby groups to learn of their concerns.

Ms Cottrell has only been in the job for five weeks, having previously worked with the Arriva team in London, and working on the bid for the London Crossrail project.

But she now finds herself with thirty three stations to look after.

She commenced her visit by announcing a new date for the installation of a new disabled access passenger footbridge at Severn Tunnel Junction, which will commence a year earlier under the Department for Transports’ Access for all scheme.

At Severn Tunnel Junction a new ticket office and an additional passenger shelter are also planned.

The chairman of STAG Severn Tunnel Action Group, David Flint, said: “We’ve waited for several years for this new footbridge and ticket office.

“Since STAG was formed seven years ago we have fought hard to get the rail services and station facilities improved.

“Currently STAG is trying to ensure parking isn’t disrupted during the building works for the new infrastructure.”

A tour of every station was undertaken during Ms Cottrell’s visit, as planned by STAG, to ensure that Arriva Trains Wales are fully aware of the determination by local councils and lobby Groups to improve rail travel from local stations.

Issues highlighted included poor rail connections from Lydney and Chepstow to Bristol and the lack of car parking space at all stations.

At Lydney passenger safety was a major topic alongside the need to open up the underpass.

At Chepstow, the possibility of increasing platform seating was discussed, as well as an additional shelter on the platform to Cardiff, and re-opening the disused toilets.

At Caldicot flooding in the underpass was raised, as was the litter problems.

The lack of a rail service from Caldicot to Chepstow, Lydney and Gloucester, at key times, was also mentioned.