I am writing on behalf of the residents of Chippenham constituency to urge you to consider a freeze on rail fares for this area.

The South West Great Western main line is already the most expensive mile per mile in the country, meaning local residents are paying more than their fair share.

Present charges already deter residents from using the train, hinder business and damage tourism.

I was very disappointed to read the Which? customer satisfaction 2014 annual train survey. First Great Western scored less than 50 per cent, putting it among the bottom five of the UK train companies featured in the poll, so not only are we paying more for our travel but getting a less than satisfactory service.

As a regular train user and a former commuter, I understand just how burdensome the cost of rail fares are and the financial strain that they put on families and hardworking people.

Given that current fares are not in line with the rest of the country, I ask that you consider a freeze on fares. I believe that if fares rise you will see a counterproductive drop in users which will mean First Great Western suffers as well as the residents of the Chippenham constituency.

Michelle Donelan, Prospective MP for Chippenham.