Since the last update there's been a public meeting with the MP, plus meetings between the campaign, the local forum, local councillors, BCP Council as well as discussions between SWR and local reps.

There's been a feeling there was simply no action from SWR. We are all hugely frustrated to see effectively no progress, broken promises, lack of communication, a station seemingly going further downhill and of course worries that if we can't get things working here, what hope have we got elsewhere after such a well run campaign. The meeting with our MP was heated because we heard the same excuses we heard at the scrutiny board. However, recently we have seen movement from SWR and they have agreed to provide updates and regular communication between all parties. We also hope they will attend a forum meeting in September to update everyone. A recent email to BCP cllrs has given an update which is attached. It’s still disappointing to be where we are but some movement is happening.

BCP Council are putting pressure on them, and are communicating, which is good news. There's a much bigger picture for the council as they want to improve the whole area and have ambitious plans. I think we would all agree with these aims - and of course, accessibility shouldn't just be at Pokesdown. However, everyone is aware that we need not loose sight of what this campaign is for, and it shouldn't be swallowed up in any bigger regeneration. The next few weeks/months will be critical to see if the communication and commitments given in the past few weeks are carried through. We are confident we have things moving in the right direction.

I'll let you know how things progress and if commitments are met. If you are free on 25th September, keep this date in your diary as we hope to hear from SWR at the forum meeting. Whilst Tobias Ellwood will not be available we hope to hear to his updates as well as updates between BCP and the DoT. In the meantime keep spreading the petition :-)