Depot planned in Stoke Gifford for electric trains

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A new rail depot near Bristol could be built as part of plans to electrify the Great Western line between Bristol and London.

South Gloucestershire Council said talks have begun between the authority and Hitachi Rail Europe.

The depot would be sited in Stoke Gifford close to Bristol Parkway railway station.

The council's transport boss, Brian Allinson, said it was pleasing the maintenance depot might be built.

"The maintenance depot will be quite large and will employ going on for 200 people," he said.

The £1bn plan to electrify the route between the capital, Bristol and Cardiff was confirmed by the government in March.

Supporters say electrification could cut journey times from Bristol to London by about 22 minutes, and argue electric trains are cleaner and cheaper.

The depot is planned for land called the Stoke Gifford triangle where several rail lines cross.

"We haven't yet had any planning application arrive and we're expecting that later in the year," Mr Allinson added.

"When you look at it and realise the mainlines all converge at that point, it is quite a sensible place to put it."