ECB backs Bristol transport campaign
The ECB and Gloucestershire are backing a Bristol transport campaign that could result in the reopening of a train station where fans of the ‘father of cricket’, WG Grace, would disembark to watch him play in the mid-Victorian era.
The Greater Bristol Metro Rail campaign would see the Ashley Hill station create a new link in suburban rail for the city and connect to the city’s major stations, Parkway and Temple Meads, something the ECB and the club support in conjunction with its plans to develop their Nevil Road ground only a few minutes’ walk away.
During the mid-Victorian era fans would take the train to Ashley Hill station in Bristol to watch WG Grace play for Gloucestershire
Representatives of the ECB, who were in Bristol to discuss progress on the club’s new planning application, and Glocestershire visited the old station site in Ashley Down.
If the plans get the go-ahead, Gloucestershire would seek to host more domestic and international matches there and would encourage more people to travel to and from the ground by public transport. This would help to minimise parking on local roads as well as support a sustainable transport plan.
ECB managing director - events and county business Gordon Hollins said: “The ECB is fully supportive of ensuring a variety of public transport options for travelling to and from matches is available and this is particularly important when large crowds are expected.
“Creating a sustainable infrastructure for sport is of benefit to everyone and one that has such a significant connection to cricketing history would be a great way for fans to travel to matches in Bristol.”
Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson said: “There are many good reasons for both the club and local residents to want to have this station reopened and we fully support the Greater Bristol Metro Rail campaign’s efforts.
“Promoting public transport for match travel is an on-going focus for the club. We benefit from good bus links on the Gloucester Road and make full use of park and ride on match days.
“We recognise that the major matches have an impact on traffic in the local area and as such are committed to looking at all the ways we can reduce this and bring benefits to residents as well.
“The fact that fans would disembark at the station to watch WG Grace is a great piece of local history and so it is fitting that we could also be a part of its future.”
