TRAVELLERS and commuters hoping a rail link can be opened between Portishead and Bristol have been given a boost.

A Government document has included such a scheme in a list of projects it hopes will be fulfilled between 2014-19.

The statement is made in a 99-page consultation report detailing what will be required of the next company to take on the Great Western rail franchise from April 2013.

The contract, which covers the South West, London and South Wales area, is currently run by First Great Western but the company has decided to terminate the franchise next year.

The Department for Transport is currently consulting on the terms of the next franchise before formal bids for the 15-year contract are submitted in August. The winning bidder will be announced in December.

In July, the department intends to make clear what the franchisee would be required to deliver between 2014-19.

Contenders for this list of demands include Bristol area developments including the Portishead line re-opening.

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