NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray is calling on the Government to give a firm date for the reopening of Corsham station following a series of delays.

Mr Gray is to demand that Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, explains what impact the receivership of Railtrack will have on the re-opening of the station, due in 2003.

He is to table a Parliamentary written question asking for the total cost of the station, and a breakdown as to who is paying what part.

He also wants to know when the station will open and if it will be delayed, and what consideration has been given to building a new station at Wootton Bassett.

Ordinary written questions by customers are answered within a week of tabling.

Coun Peter Davis, North Wiltshire district councillor for Corsham, said officers from Wiltshire County Council met up for talks with the Strategic Rail Authority in London on Monday in an effort to sort out problems that have plagued the planning process.

He said one knot that needs untangling is the fate of the station if it ever closes in the future.

Train operators want to know who would be responsible for taking it down.

"They are still endeavouring to sort out the problems which forever keep seeming to raise their heads," said Coun Davis.

"However, we are still confident work will start this coming July and the station should open by 2003."

He said the funding was all in place, with £1.3 million coming from the Strategic Rail Authority, along with money from the Pockeridge Farm developers and local authorities.