The campaign to reopen Saltford’s railway station is gaining momentum like never before, but recent council discussions have sparked a heated dispute over who deserves credit for the progress.
Chris Warren, a Saltford councillor representing Independents for B&NES and founder of the station reopening campaign since 2011, expressed frustration at what he calls a “rewriting of history.” Warren, who was elected in January by defeating the Liberal Democrat candidate by four votes, believes it is his persistent efforts that have reignited interest in the long-standing project. Yet, at a Bath and North East Somerset Council meeting on July 17, Duncan Hounsell, Saltford’s other councillor from the Liberal Democrats, praised his party’s leadership and council officers for advances toward finalizing a business case for the station.
“These positive steps owe much to Liberal Democrat councillors, B&NES officers, and partners — not to those standing on the sidelines,” Hounsell stated, adopting a new slogan to reflect the campaign’s forward momentum: “Saltford Station, bring it on.”
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Warren, absent from the meeting and known for displaying the original campaign slogan “Saltford Station, bring it back” in his home, was taken aback by the remarks. “I founded and continue to lead this campaign. It’s only since my election that the Liberal Democrats have appeared interested again,” he said.
Robert Taylor, another dedicated campaign member, backed Warren’s claims. He criticized Hounsell’s comments as dismissive of the combined grassroots efforts: producing campaign materials, door-to-door outreach, engagement with rail industry representatives, and support from the Parish Council and Saltford Environment Group. Taylor noted that Hounsell had even been involved in developing the original slogan but now seemed to disregard the longstanding work by others.
Hounsell clarified that his council statement intended to highlight recent developments over the past few years rather than diminish anyone’s contribution. He mentioned collaboration with Saltford Parish Council officials and previous regional leaders to push the project forward. “I did not single out Chris Warren,” Hounsell emphasized. He also denied that his party’s support was a reaction to Warren’s election, calling such suggestions “nonsense.”
While acknowledging the original slogan’s resonance, Hounsell favored the new phrase to express optimism: “Progress has made a station more possible than ever.”
As plans move toward a formal business case, the dispute underscores the passion and complexity behind restoring Saltford’s railway station, with all sides eager to ensure their efforts are recognized.