This week TransWilts bade farewell to long serving chair Paul Johnson. Paul, 74, who has led the CIC since it was formed in 2015 is leaving the area and felt it was the right time to step aside. During his time at the helm the line from Swindon to Westbury has been awarded accredited status from the Department for Transport. The one carriage train which started in December 2013 has been increased to two or three coach trains from 2018. Car parking has been improved at Melksham Station, a redundant room at Westbury station has been turned into a meeting room and headquarters for the CIC and noticeboards have been installed at stations along the line showcasing the work of the rail partnership. Behind the scenes he has worked on proposals for new stations at Devizes Parkway and Wilton for Stonehenge and that work will continue after his departure. He has helped forge closer links with Wiltshire and Swindon councils, GWR and other local stakeholders. The search for someone to step into the void he has left is underway and Paul has offered to ease them into the job if needed.
Thank you so much for all your hard work, Paul. We will miss you very much 🙏
