Wiltshire’s Liberal Democrats have called for a freeze in train fares, ahead of the annual increase.

The LibDems have called for the proposed 1.6 per cent fare hike, which is due to come into effect in January, a ‘slap in the face' and urge the rise to be cancelled.

A part spokesman said: “The rise was higher than expected, reflecting factors such as the lack of summer sales as retailers struggled to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The party argued that the government ‘should be trying to get people back onto sustainable forms of transport and investing to improve vital services’.

Helen Belcher, parliamentary spokesman for Chippenham, said: “At a time when so many families are already stretched due to Covid-19, the Conservatives seem happy for commuters in Wiltshire to face yet another hike in the price of their season tickets.

“A freeze on fares would save typical season ticket using commuters in the Chippenham area between £19 and £164 next year.

According to analysis from the party, a fare freeze would save Wiltshire commuters between £33 and £165.