Wootton Bassett railway station, which closed 45 years ago, could re-open as part of a Swindon to Salisbury rail service.

The Wessex Chamber of Commerce and Wiltshire Council have commissioned Network Rail to assess the viability of a new north to south route stopping at Wootton Bassett.

The new station could be built near Interface Business Park, on the site of the old station which was closed in 1965 and later demolished.

Paul Dunn, chairman of the Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce, said: “What a great idea it is – it’s out of the blue but it is the best opportunity we are going to get for some time.”

Trans Wilts Rail, an umbrella group which includes Wiltshire Council and the chamber of commerce, is negotiating with First Great Western to bring back a regular Swindon to Salisbury route.

If there is enough local demand and the Government approves the plan later in the year, the service could start in December. After that negotiations could take place to add a stop at Wootton Basset.

Wiltshire councillor Richard Gamble, the portfolio holder for transport, said: “What we have discussed is that, if we can establish a Salisbury to Swindon regular stopping rail service, there is a possibility that in the future there is an opportunity to open or reopen a station at Wootton Bassett.

Town councillors Chris and Audrey Wannell used to use Wootton Bassett Station for commuting and leisure before it closed in the mid-1960s.

Coun Chris Wannell said: “I used it quite a lot because I used to go to watch Swindon Town play.

“It’s a good idea but then the question is it is practical?

“The train line is on one side of the town so the question is whether people from Lime Kiln, Woodshaw or Green Park would use it. I think the answer is probably not.”