Commuters share thoughts on Salisbury Station works

Work officially began on the £5.2million improvement works on Monday, June 10, intending to improve accessibility and the look of the station.

It comes as works continue on Fisherton Street and the River Park project. 

One of the disruptions that comes with the works is the closure of the station car park.

Helen Rooney, from Harnham, said: "I use the station when I'm going out for the day and I cycle down anyway, or I get a lift. I do try and avoid driving into town as it's expensive to park. 

"It's good they're doing it up but it's a pain for commuters."

READ MORE: Alabarѐ to start weekly mental health cafe in Amesbury

The makeover will add a bus station at the front of the train station to provide an improved interchange between trains and buses.

Helen Rooney (left) and Betty Read (right) (Image: Newsquest)

Helen's mother, Betty Read, from Wilton, said: "I can't go on a bus that stops here, I have to get off by the roundabout. But mainly, what I would like to see is seats - when my son comes to stay and I meet him here, there's nowhere to sit. It just needs some benches along the front."

Stuart Rivers, chief executive of a charity, uses the station frequently to commute to London and Southampton for work. He said: "Firstly, it's about the level of disruption and what the benefits after it will be.

Stuart Rivers (Image: Newsquest)

"I think the biggest thing is that it seems that since Covid, Salisbury and Wiltshire have decided to do lots of works everywhere at the same time."

Ami Chand and Amanda Hollard are colleagues who occasionally commute to Salisbury. 

Ami said: "Having a bus station will be good as we normally get a bus. Coming from London, you can get on a bus anywhere but here, you're quite isolated."

Amanda added: "Just a few weeks ago, we were up north and there are a lot of places that have bus stations and it just makes it easier."

Kelse Abrell, from Blandford Forum, uses the station a few times a week. She said: "It's going to be super annoying, but as long as it's for the better, we just have to put up with it."

Kelse Abrell (Image: Newsquest)

The Journal also spoke to a number of taxi drivers who pass through the station frequently. 

One said: "As long as they're not moving the taxi rank, I don't mind.

"We are concerned as we are always the bottom of the pile - nobody says anything to us."

Another added: "We won't know until we see it."

Works are expected to take one year to complete.