A long-standing campaign to reopen Saltford’s railway station has sparked a heated dispute between local councillors over the recognition of efforts and the history of the movement.
Chris Warren, representing Saltford as an Independent on the Bath and North East Somerset Council and founder of the station reopening campaign in 2011, expressed frustration at what he calls a “rewriting of history.” His campaign has consistently pushed for the station’s revival, and since his election in January—where he narrowly defeated a Liberal Democrat opponent—plans for the station have advanced to the business case stage for the first time.
In contrast, Duncan Hounsell, Saltford’s other councillor and a Liberal Democrat since 2019, praised recent progress during a July 17 council meeting. He attributed the steps forward to the efforts of Liberal Democrat councillors, council staff, and others involved, dismissing the contributions of outside voices as “posturing.” Hounsell advocated for a forward-looking slogan, stating, “Saltford Station, bring it on,” moving away from the campaign’s nostalgic tagline, “Saltford Station, bring it back.”
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Warren, not present at the meeting but vocal in response, was incredulous at Hounsell’s remarks, emphasizing his foundational role in the campaign. “I was the founder and still lead this campaign. It’s because I won the by-election that the Lib Dems are suddenly interested again,” Warren commented.
Further support for Warren’s position came from Robert Taylor, a fellow campaign member, who criticized Hounsell’s statements as dismissive of dedicated volunteers’ efforts. Taylor highlighted extensive community contributions, from leaflet distribution to engaging with rail industry representatives and local organizations such as Saltford Parish Council and the Saltford Environment Group. He also noted that Hounsell had previously participated in groups that coined the original slogan.
Taylor suggested that Warren’s electoral success unsettled the Liberal Democrats, contributing to their reluctance to acknowledge his leadership.
Responding, Hounsell clarified that his remarks were intended to highlight recent developments and collaborations, including meetings with past regional leadership, and denied specifically excluding Warren from his acknowledgments. He maintained that the Liberal Democrats’ support for the project predated Warren’s election and defended the updated slogan as reflecting real progress toward reopening the station.
The dispute underscores both the complexities of local political dynamics and the passionate community commitment driving the campaign to restore Saltford’s railway station.