Following the Government’s pledge of £500m for a western rail link to Heathrow, First Great Western Managing Director Mark Hopwood said:

“The commitment to £500 million to fund western rail access to Heathrow is great news for local economies across the network.

“In speaking to the business communities across our region, they really value the economic benefits improved rail access to Heathrow could bring to cities like Slough, Reading, Swindon and Bristol, as well as South Wales and the South West.

“I’m pleased we’ve been able to work with them and industry partners to move the debate forward to this stage.”