News stories

Against the odds, the UK's network of disused railway lines continues to make the news as the 21st Century throws up a host of transport, environmental and health challenges.

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Page last updated 9th March 2010 Previous stories 2009 2008

March
Work starts on Two Tunnels 09/3/10 Bath Chronicle
Work has finally begun on a £1.9 million scheme to create a new four-mile cycling and walking route through Combe Down and Devonshire tunnels to the south of Bath.
Borders rail link gets underway 03/3/10 BBC News

The project to reopen the railway between Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders has officially started.
Bridge plans unveiled 03/3/10 BBC News

Whitstable residents are being asked for their views on bridge designs for the Crab & Winkle cycle path which will follow the disused Canterbury to Whitstable railway.
Old bridge at hub of cycle track plan 01/3/10 This is Lincolnshire

An anti-social behaviour hotspot under a disused Lincoln railway bridge could be transformed into the starting point for a new cycle track.

February
Cycle path back on agenda 28/2/10 Gazette & Herald

A proposal to build a cycle path along the old Malmesbury to Dauntsey railway line has been resurrected as funding for the project is now available.
Call to reopen Plymouth-Exeter line 22/2/10 This is Plymouth

Countryside campaigners have called for a feasibility study to be carried out into reopening the former Southern Railway route from Exeter to Plymouth.
Cycle track builds head of steam 21/2/10 Wilts & Gloucs Standard

A project that could see a cycle track built along the former Malmesbury to Dauntsey railway line has been revived.

MPs want track reopened 19/2/10 This is South Devon

MPs want to see the former railway between Paignton and Brixham reopened but have been told they haven't a 'hope in hell' of it happening.
Decision due on cyclepath bridge 18/2/10 Kenilworth Weekly News

Plans for a bridge forming part of a major footpath and bicycle track along a disused railway could get the go-ahead next week.
Progress at last for Two Tunnels 17/2/10 This is Bath
Council officials are about to sign the paperwork which will allow work to start on the £1.9 million Two Tunnels path, involving a pair of disused tunnels to the south of Bath.
Bus route or village green? 09/2/10 The News (Portsmouth)
A bid to block a £20m bus route along a disused railway by getting key areas of land designated as village greens could go before a public inquiry.
Bike route secures planning permission 06/2/10 road.cc

Whitstable's cyclists will soon be able to enjoy a traffic-free route down a disused trackbed after the project was granted planning permission by Kent County Council.
Station homes unveiled 02/2/10 Southern Daily Echo

Dozens of villagers have attended a public exhibition on plans to transform a former railway station in Sutton Scotney.

January
Petition launched to keep rail bid alive 29/1/10 Get Surrey

The high costs involved in reopening the old Cranleigh-Guildford railway are likely to cause Waverley Borough Council not to support any further investigation work into its revival.
Cyclists urged to support Two Tunnels 27/1/10 road.cc
Cyclists are being urged to take part in a show of support for the Two Tunnels project which has reached a crucial point in its approval process.
Will Skipton-Colne return? 27/1/10 Pendle Today
How closure an important trans-Pennine rail link affected the community it served.
Ramblers reverse 'perverse' decision 26/1/10 Grough
Walkers, cyclists and horseriders will be able to use a disused railway trackbed near the North York Moors national park after ramblers won a long-running legal battle.
No light at the end of the tunnel 25/1/10 This is Bath

The lights in two old railway tunnels which will be at the heart of a new cycle path will have to be switched off for four hours each night to protect bats.
Celebration for new cycleway 25/1/10 Road.cc
A 'party on the path' is being held this weekend to celebrate the opening of a new cycleway in Dorset, along the route of the disused Bridport branch.
Disused tunnel reaches end of the line 22/1/10 Hexham Courant
An abandoned railway tunnel near Corbridge, which opened in 1834 on the Newcastle to Carlisle line, could soon be infilled and sealed at a cost of £450,000.
Objectors step up Woodstock station fight 18/1/10 Oxford Mail
Developers are determined to demolish the former Blenheim & Woodstock railway station despite having two planning applications refused.
Group tours former station 12/1/10 BBC News
Councillors and business people hoping to get Wellington railway station reopened have had a fact-finding tour of the former station site.
Cycleway plans still on track 10/1/10 Gloucestershire Gazette
The wheels are still in motion to create an off-road cycleway between Uley, Dursley and Cam - along a disused trackbed - but the plans could take several more years to complete.
Hospital expansion into disused tunnel? 08/1/10 Health Insurance Bulletin
Discussions are continuing over a new development at Wellington Hospital in London which could see an expansion into the disused Lords Tunnel.

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