Progress is accelerating on the campaign to reopen Saltford’s railway station, a move that villagers and local officials believe will enhance connectivity and revive a historic asset.
Situated between Bath and Keynsham, Saltford has long been cherished for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The village’s railway station, once a key local transport hub, was closed in 1970 as part of widespread rail cutbacks known as the Beeching Cuts. Yet, the desire to restore rail links has persisted.
In a significant breakthrough this March, Saltford was named among several potential new stations in the West of England Combined Authority’s updated regional rail strategy. This inclusion marks a pivotal step toward turning the campaign into a reality.
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At a Bath and North East Somerset Council meeting on July 17, Councillor Duncan Hounsell (Saltford, Liberal Democrat) highlighted the critical role played by council leader Kevin Guy. “The advocacy of Councillor Guy led to Saltford’s inclusion in the regional strategy, which now includes development of a business case for reopening the station,” Hounsell stated. “This is the first time such work has been initiated, and Councillor Guy deserves full credit.”
Hounsell’s remarks also reflected the complex local political dynamics surrounding the project. He emphasized that tangible progress comes from committed efforts by Liberal Democrat councillors, council officers, and others—contrasting such action with mere rhetoric. “While slogans like ‘Saltford Station, bring it back’ are common, I prefer to say, ‘Saltford Station, bring it on,’” he added.
The comment may have been directed at fellow Saltford councillor Chris Warren (Independents for B&NES), a co-founder of the Saltford Station campaign who narrowly won a seat in a January by-election. Warren, who displays a “Saltford Station, let’s bring it back” sign at his home, was notably absent from the council meeting.
In December 2023, Hounsell and Saltford Parish Council Chair Jon Godfrey met with then West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris to advocate for the station’s reopening. Norris, who also serves as the local Member of Parliament, reiterated his long-standing support at a January 2024 Combined Authority committee meeting. “I have supported this cause for nearly 25 years,” he said, “and the need for Saltford Station has only grown.”
However, Norris’s subsequent arrest in April on serious charges has cast uncertainty over the campaign’s political support. He remains on police bail awaiting investigation, has been suspended from the Labour Party, and barred from parliamentary premises—with his proxy vote currently exercised by Labour whip Chris Elmore.
Despite these challenges, the campaign to restore Saltford’s railway station appears to be moving forward with unprecedented momentum thanks to dedicated local activism and strategic political advocacy.