PLANS to give Chalford its own railway station may go ahead if residents support the idea.

Questionnaires are being distributed to gauge public support for the station - which would cost between £750,000 and £1.5 million and serve Chalford, Minchinhampton, Bisley and Brimscombe.

The station would be built on the site of the original Brimscombe station, opposite the King and Castle Hotel. The station was built in 1845 and the last train stopped there in 1964.

Since the 1960s, the population of the village has increased by nearly a half.

Chalford Parish Council hopes a new station would reduce traffic and help alleviate problems caused by the deteriorating bus service in the area.

The SNJ has been reporting on the problem for several months, and launched a Save Our Buses campaign four weeks ago.

The new station is likely to be named Chalford and Brimscombe Station, in reference to its location and history.

If response to the surveys is good, parish councillors will approach Stroud District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, train operators and the Government for funding.

Residents first suggested that the former railway station could be revived several years ago.

Cllr Mike Doyle-Davidson, chair of the parish council, said: "If the public show no interest in it then it will be knocked on the head, but I think it will be different.

"The A419 is a diabolical road and there's no decent buses, but there is a railway line that works.

"A number of people have been talking about making use of the station for years.

"It shows that if you get your facts right and have public support, things will happen."

The survey will be distributed to every household in Chalford, Minchinhampton, Bisley and Brimscombe, with residents being asked to return it to a collection point near their homes.

For more contact Chalford Parish Council on 01453 887204.