THE railways minister visited the proposed site of a new station at Wilton on Thursday.

Paul Maynard travelled on a special train to what will be known as Wilton Parkway.

The minister said it was a pleasure to ride on the TransWilts train and see first hand the hard work going into the Community Partnership Railway.

“These railways are good for communities as they increase revenue, reduce costs, and increase community involvement in supporting social and economic development.”

The TransWilts Line is one of the fastest growing lines in the country, and has seen passenger numbers grow year on year.

In 2015 there was more than 215,00 journeys on the line, an increase of 20 per cent on the previous year.

Some 3,200 rail volunteers working 250,000 hours per year have also helped to improve stations and reduce vandalism.

Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood said community rail groups played a leading role in improving services and stations across Britain.

He said: “Working with Wiltshire Council, and the TransWilts CRP, GWR has been able to launch additional services on this line, improving rail links and further supporting the local economy.

“I am delighted to be able to welcome the minister here today on this special, extended train service.”

TransWilts chairman Paul Johnson said the visit demonstrated the service’s potential