ONCE again the possible re-opening of the rail link to Marlborough is in the news.
I think the promoters of this idea need a reality check. There are presently three main line rail stations within ten miles of Marlborough.
Swindon has a regular service of (soon to be upgraded) high-speed trains to London while Bedwyn enjoys a regular service of stopping trains to London, although many require a change of train at Newbury or Reading.
Pewsey has at present a rather irregular service to London, although this is set to improve when new trains and timetables are introduced in the next few years.
Coun Lisa Farrell states that the tracks are still in place but this is simply not true. Even a cursory inspection of the remaining embankments and cuttings (where accessible to the public) reveals that the earthworks are in a very parlous state with thick vegetation, root and water damage and incursions by local farmers.
Also the bridge carrying the line across the unclassified road from Wooton Rivers to the A346 has long been removed and some distance to the west of this point the track formation has been ploughed back into the landscape.
In addition, the short tunnel between that point and Marlborough has been bricked up for many years and is I believe now a home to bats – a protected species.
Any cost benefit analysis carried out by Network Rail would I fear cite these and other reasons for not carrying the project forward.
I should add that I am a lifelong rail enthusiast but sometimes one has to be realistic – this is one of those times.
PAUL PUTNAM
Honeystreet
Pewsey