HOPES of reopening the Portishead rail line remain alive after it was included in the Government's wishlist for the train network.

Officials said the long-awaited link was a "contender" for schemes to be demanded of the successful bidder for the next Great Western rail franchise.

The document also revealed that rail tickets could be purchased in local shops, raising fresh fears over ticket office closures.

The Department for Transport's 100-page consultation paper into the franchise will feed into the eventual franchise agreement, which will be unveiled in December.

For the 2014 to 2019 time period, the Great Western document says:

"Possible contenders at this stage may include ... Bristol area developments including the Portishead line re-opening."

It comes after a rail industry insider told the Evening Post that plans to reopen the line were already at an advanced stage.

The expert said the reopening of both the Portishead and Henbury Loop lines would be included in the new franchise agreement for the Great Western rail network.

This means the rail operator which takes over the running of the franchise next year would be obliged to run trains on both lines to meet the terms of their contract.

The consultation document also asks for ways to reduce the time taken to buy rail tickets.

It says: "These include introduction of smart ticketing technology; provision of telephone and internet-based sales, channels; and exploring the options for selling tickets from local shops."

This has led to a Parliamentary petition being tabled at Westminster raising concerns about ticket office closures.

Last year's Government-commissioned review by Lord McNulty said rail companies should consider smaller, "Category E" station ticket offices, of which there are about 30 on the Great Western line.

Tabled by Labour left-wingers including backbenchers Jeremy Corbyn and Kelvin Hopkins, it calls on MPs to oppose "any such closures."

The consultation runs until March 31. In May, the Government will issue a formal invitation to tender, with the winning bidder chosen in December 2012.

Current operator First chose not to renew its licence and instead is seeking a longer deal under the new tender arrangements.