IF you're jetting off somewhere hot on holiday in the future, you could be able to check in at Taunton Station, get on the train and be dropped off at Bristol Airport.

Bosses are looking to create a mainline rail link to make it easier to reach the airport.

LibDem councillors in Taunton welcome the prospect of a direct rail link from the town.

Group leader on Taunton Deane Borough Council Cllr Simon Coles said: "This initiative from Bristol Airport is thoroughly welcome.

"Our local authorities need to support the proposal and spark the public transport renaissance that's needed in Taunton.

"Our check-in facility idea would help reverse the damage of Conservative cuts to public transport."

His colleague Cllr Jefferson Horsley said: "A new mainline rail link to the airport would make Taunton the closest station, only about half an hour's ride away.

"This could revolutionise the use of the town by people around the region.

"Instead of just building more and more roads, we say the Conservative-run council should now rewrite its plans and make our station the hub of a new public transport web."

As well as flight check-ins at Taunton Station, the LibDems want improved bus links and dedicated bus lanes converging on a new bus station there.

A Bristol Airport spokeswoman said there are currently "no detailed plans", but Bristol is the only top ten UK airport without motorway, dual carriageway or direct rail link access.

Improvements would cut journey times to the airport and could attract millions of passengers from the South West who fly from London every year.

She added: "We're at the early stages of exploring options, but believe a rail link is feasible."

Bristol Airport chief executive Robert Sinclair said: “With more than 120 routes served and frequent flights to major international hubs, Bristol Airport provides connectivity across the world – but getting here from parts of our own region can be difficult.

"Improved surface access must be central to the airport’s future development if we are to unlock its full economic potential.

"A direct rail link would be transformational and would enable a significant step change in public transport use.”

Taunton Deane Borough Council leader Cllr John Williams said: "We are in contact with Bristol Airport and look forward to further positive discussions with their representatives.

"The airport is a very popular choice for travellers in our region and recognises the need to improve access so it can continue to meet the demand.”

He said the district council is working with Somerset County Council on a transport strategy, while there is committed funding for improvements to Junction 25 of the M5 and the Creech Castle junction.

He added: "The council is working closely with partners on proposals to significantly improve and modernise Taunton Station that will be served by high speed services from the capital – this investment would provide an excellent foundation for a direct airport link to Bristol airport if confirmed."

A county council spokesman said: “We welcome the growth of Bristol Airport which brings economic benefits to the whole region, including Somerset.

“Improving connectivity is a key priority for us, achieved through a mixture of different infrastructure improvements, including road and rail.

“We're naturally happy to explore feasible options and welcome investment to improve links with Taunton.

"We've agreed to be part of a study run by North Somerset Council to look at the corridor between M5 and south Bristol, including Bristol Airport, but this is at a very early stage.

"We hope it will also consider rail connections between Taunton and Bristol.

“We are already supporting partners with proposals to upgrade Taunton Station and create a new transport hub."