THE redoubling of the Swindon to Kemble rail line has been confirmed in today’s budget statement.

Chancellor George Osborne confirmed funding for the project was in place.

Following the Comprehensive Spending Review campaigners had feared the money would not be made available until 2014 at the earliest.

But hopes were raised again with the announcement of the electrification of the Great Western line to Wales, which made it clear that diversionary routes including Kemble, would need to be improved to cope with extra traffic.

Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said:" I have fought long and hard for this project for seven years and I am thrilled that all of this hard work has now paid off.

"All of the pieces of the jigsaw have finally come together and persuaded the Chancellor to find the necessary money.

"The case for the redoubling project is clear and it will bring an enormous amount of economic benefit for the people Gloucestershire."

Network Rail recently submitted a feasibility study to the Department for Transport demonstrating that they could complete the project for £41.7 million instead of the original £52 million cost.