I WONDER why Railtrack always seek the most difficult (and expensive) option?

The Wiltshire rail rebuilding plans are most welcome but surely £2.5 billion is way over the top.

Swindon station could be increased from three to four platforms at minimum cost simply by brightening the existing parcels' platform and re-opening it to passenger trains. Even at its present length it would take the two or three coach trains so common in this area today. No change to track or signalling would be required, just a rubber stamp to say it can be re-opened to passenger traffic.

Similarly Wootton Bassett could be rebuilt at minimal cost without changes to track or signals. There is room (just) between the road overbridge at the east end of the station and the loop on the up side for a three coach platform. The down side has even more room.

HSTs are not likely to call at both Swindon and Wootton Bassett so why provide full length platforms?

The doubling of the line to Kemble is most welcome as would be the rebuilding of Purton station but why two separate platforms? An island (as Swindon is at present) would surely be cheaper.

If Swindon really needs a fifth platform there is plenty of room to the north to build a platform. A slight change of signalling and two new points (one at each end) would be required.

It seems Railtrack would rather use double talk and mega-bucks than railway knowledge and common sense. Still, recent events have shown that they prefer to play with taxpayers' money, not their own.

G SCOTT

Okus Road

Swindon