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THE PORTISHEAD LINE
07:00 - 23 June 2008
North Somerset Council chiefs have now agreed on a long-term objective
to reopen the whole of the Portishead line for passenger use.But first a
three-mile section will have to be purchased.
Just last week a
consultants' report suggested rebuilding Portishead station, relaying the three
miles of track from the town to Portbury and refurbishing Pill
station.
Hourly or half-hourly trains, they said, could provide a direct
link to Bristol with possible stops (apart from Pill) at Ashton, Parson Street
and Bedminster.
North Somerset Council is at present negotiating with British Rail over the sale of the land for the three miles of track which is needed.
Leader Councillor Elfan Ap Rees said: "I am delighted that this report shows that the idea is not only feasible but would positively contribute to reducing traffic on the A369 to the M5 junction 19 and have economic benefits to the town.
"However, even if the funding was in place and the permissions agreed, I would not envisage the service being operational until 2014."
Work will now be carried out on a more detailed analysis of the route and the Department of Transport will also have to accept the plan and add it to the rail franchise.
Cllr Ap Rees added: "We hope now that the Government will support the plan and help us find the funding needed to bring this to fruition."
Portishead Railway Group chairman Alan Matthews said: "The report has shown that there is no reason that the Portishead line should not be opened up again.
"This is fantastic news for all the people who have campaigned for the reopening of the railway link in Portishead."
The track between Portbury dock and Ashton, which is owned by Network Rail, was reopened for freight six years ago at a cost of £21 million.
Both the Portishead Railway Group and the Gordano Valley Local Councils Transport Group have been campaigning for years to get the Portishead section reopened and thus provide a vital link between the town and Bristol.
But it's taking an awfully long time to become a reality.
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