Surrey council backs plans to reinstate rail line

 

Surrey Heath BC has backed plans in the shire's Rail Strategy to reinstate a disused line between Camberley and Woking, it has been reported.

According to the BBC, Cllr Keith Bush said the borough council fully supported the county council's suggestion to reopen the redundant line, as well as to explore other options to reduce congestion on its local lines into London.

The line was ripped out in the 1960s at the time of the infamous Beeching report, which suggested axing a third of rail lines across the country. As a result, commuters have had to drive 10 miles from Camberley to Woking, or go to Farborough, to get a service into the Capital.

Local groups such as the Camberley Society have previously voiced support for the scheme, although Network Rail has stated a viable business case would probably still be needed as laying track would cost millions - but it was 'receptive' to new ideas.

The county-wide rail strategy was undertaken by Arup for Surrey CC following news earlier this year from data that revealed the 7.32am train out of Woking to London Waterloo is the second most overcrowded service in the country.

The objective for the study was to ensure that the county has the rail infrastructure needed for sustainable economic growth and identify proposals that partners in Surrey can plan and deliver.

These proposals were identified in consultation with the rail industry, business, boroughs and districts and other partners.

The consultation for the study ends on June 28.

 

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