Residents in Dibden, Eling, Fawley, Hythe and Marchwood are being encouraged to provide their feedback on Network Rail’s proposals for the Waterside Line, with the consultation period set to end on Friday 9 September.
The proposals would see passenger services running from Southampton Central to Marchwood station, which will be reopened and a brand-new station in Hythe.
The line was closed to passengers in 1966, but thanks to funding from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Restoring Your Railway initiative, proposals are being developed to consider how to reintroduce passenger services to the area.
Four events are planned this week where residents can find out more about the proposals and submit their views. The events are as follows:
- Monday 5 September, 1800-22:00: Marchwood Junior School
- Tuesday 6 September, 1600-2000: Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall
- Thursday 8 September, 1400-1800: Totton and Eling Community Centre – Plant Room
- Friday 9 September, 1000-1400: The Jubilee Hall, Fawley
When the consultation ends, Network Rail will consider all the feedback it receives and, along with other information such as a Final Business Case and Environmental Impact Assessment, make a recommendation to the DfT on whether to progress the project.
Kate Neill-Sneller, senior sponsor at Network Rail, said: “There has never been a better opportunity to restore passenger services on the Waterside Line, so we’re appealing to those who haven’t had their say to come forward, find out more about what we’re proposing, and crucially, have their say.
“We have four events this week and we’re encouraging as many people as possible to come and visit us, find out the details, ask questions, and give their thoughts. We’ve seen hundreds of people over the last month and gathered some invaluable feedback. Every bit of feedback, good or bad, will help us make our recommendation to the DfT next year.”
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