NETWORK Rail's decision to pull out of an agreement to expand car parking at Lydney Railway Station has been described as a 'slap in the face' for the local community.

The operator had agreed in 2014 to lease some land next to the existing car park to create additional parking. The county council identified money to bring the land up to the appropriate standard for car parking.

But on Friday Network Rail told stakeholders including Gloucestershire County Council, Forest of Dean District Council, Arriva Trains Wales and Lydney Town Council that they have now pulled out of the deal to solve car parking problems at the Forest's only main line railway station.

With car parking in high demand at Lydney train station, a number of stakeholders got together to see how more parking could be created and Network Rail is now being asked to reconsider its decision.

For the full story, read The Forester.