TRAIN operator First Great Western is negotiating for extra services after a cut in the number of trains to and from Cheltenham and Gloucester.

During the summer 14 non-direct First Great Western and Virgin trains ran from Swindon to Cheltenham and Gloucester each day and 15 in the other direction.

The new winter timetable sees ten trains running in each direction every day.

First Great Western spokesman Tim Bowcock said the company was proposing to supplement the reduction with additional services.

He said: "First Great Western is currently negotiating with Wessex Trains to run four services along the Stroud Valley line in addition to those detailed in the winter timetable.

"This would include a key peak commuter service from Swindon, and off-peak services, which are not part of the minimum service requirement being run by Virgin Trains.

"We are determined to put customers in the region first and will continue to run the same number of high-speed services between Gloucestershire and London Paddington.

"The number of services calling at Swindon will increase vastly in the next timetable with up to five trains an hour to or from London.

"The vast majority of people who use Swindon station will find there will be more services for them."