MPs Ed Vaizey and Nicola Blackwood have joined a coalition of 10 MPs calling for a train service from Oxford to Bristol.

They have written to the Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin urging him to introduce the service and requesting a meeting to discuss it.

The proposed route would connect Bristol, Bath, Chippenham and Swindon to Oxford and Bedford.

Mr Vaizey, MP for Wantage, also called on employers along the way to add their support to the scheme.

He said: “A direct Oxford to Bristol rail service would better serve Swindon, Chippenham, Bath and other stations along the way.

“It would run along existing track that is currently being electrified, so would require relatively little new infrastructure. Instead of being a lone voice on this, I am part of a cross-party group of MPs to maximise our chance of success.

“We know existing services are increasingly overcrowded and people travelling from towns without stations leads to traffic congestion on our roads. Now I am looking to businesses and major employers to make clear their support for the economic benefits of better connecting towns and cities.’’

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