MP calls for new Wiltshire train stations

Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson raised the issue during her maiden speech in the House of Commons earlier this week.

She was speaking in a debate on building safety and resilience on Wednesday, September 11.

She said: "We [Chippenham] have a proud industrial heritage, with Mills originally reliant on the River Avon and later on the Great Western Railway, with its many impressive tunnels and viaducts.

"This railway currently only stops in Chippenham; I will spend the next few years demanding that Corsham and Royal Wootton Bassett are also in receipt of stations.

Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson gave her first speech in the House of Commons on Wednesday, September 11 (Image: Matthew Bragg)

"Quality employment and prosperity came with the railway when it was built and access to transport is equally important to growth in this area today - it will play a vital part in my constituency’s future as an innovation hub."

Ms Gibson also addressed other issues, saying there is a need for a health centre in Calne and improved NHS dental provision and GP access across her constituency.

She said: "Over the past few weeks, many people have asked me if I have had a restful recess.

"I have found myself raising an eyebrow and explaining that this has been the busiest period of my life.

"Not being on these benches over the summer has meant that I have been able to hit the ground running at home and raise specific concerns about the severe lack of NHS dental provision and access to GPs across the constituency.

Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson called for train stations in Corsham and Royal Wootton Bassett (Image: Matthew Bragg)

"I have also been able to meet with campaigners and lend my support to Chippenham’s One Plan, Basset’s proposed Active Travel Network, and the campaign for a new health centre in Calne.

"By backing projects like these, I intend to ensure that there are careers for our young people, and options for those hoping to change career later in life."

Drawing on her professional experience as an architect, Ms Gibson also emphasised the importance of building safety and the need for stricter regulations to protect residents from mould and damp.

"Having worked in the construction industry as an architect in Spain and having run an architectural practice in the UK for most of my professional life, I have seen far too often the construction industry fall foul of silo working and cost cutting," she said.

"Many families in my constituency, and indeed across the UK, are bearing the effects of poor building safety.

"Homes are suffering from mould and damp, with complaints to housing associations, letting agencies and landlords often falling on deaf ears.

Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson (Image: Matthew Bragg)

"I would like to urge the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government in their proposed reviews of the building regulations to introduce stronger measures to protect our most vulnerable residents from mould and damp.

"Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable home to return to."

Ms Gibson also took the opportunity to highlight the industrial heritage of Chippenham, its businesses, and the technical education provided by Wiltshire College and University Centre.

She said: "We are home to some fantastic cutting-edge businesses, from the renewable energy sector through to health sciences.

"They are complemented by the provision of excellent technical education – namely that provided by Wiltshire College and University Centre whose campuses at Lackham and Chippenham will be critical to the growth of dynamic young companies in the future.

"I intend to be a strong voice to champion skills, employment, and opportunity in this part of the world."

Ms Gibson ended her speech by wishing her brother, Luke, a happy birthday, and by thanking her mother and her constituents, promising to "work hard" and "champion" the latter in all she does.