CHANGES to the train timetable between Chippenham and London should have a positive effect on the town's businesses says a property firm.

The new schedule reduces the number of trains stopping at Swindon and Reading on the way to the capital as well as using faster trains. The changes will reduce the journey time by 16 minutes, to just one hour and two minutes.

Lindsay Holdoway, of HPH Commercial Property, believes that improved links to London has the potential to attract new businesses to the area.

He said: “More and more businesses are choosing town centre office locations and access to a good rail service is a key requirement. With car ownership declining and the limited availability and high cost of parking, rail travel is seen by many employers as the more sustainable option. Chippenham will particularly benefit from the new timetable as the faster trains will have fewer stops but all stop at Chippenham.

“The town benefits from much lower property costs compared to towns closer to London and there is a strong, skilled local workforce within the catchment area. This coupled with easy access to the M4 and excellent broadband connectivity has put Chippenham in a very competitive position to attract employers.

“Now with even better rail connections the town will be a serious consideration for businesses looking for alternatives to the major cities.”

For the full timetable, click here.