Residents back proposal to reopen Totton-Hythe branch line

Network Rail says 84 per cent of people who registered their opinion backed the idea of commuter trains using the Totton to Hythe branch line, which is currently freight-only.

A series of neighbourhood events were held in the Waterside area in August and September.

Residents were given an opportunity to learn more about the proposals, which include upgrades to Marchwood station and a new transport hub at Hythe.

A new station will be built at Hythe if the Waterside railway line is reopened. Picture: Network Rail (Image: Network Rail)

Those in favour of the scheme listed some of the benefits it would bring, including "healthy and sustainable" travel in and out of Southampton.

READ MORE: Potential boost for proposal to reopen Totton to Hythe branch line

As reported in the Daily Echo, Fawley Waterside is planning to build 1,500 homes on the former site of Fawley power station - most of which has been demolished.

Expected to cost at least £800m, the scheme includes commercial facilities capable of creating more than 2,500 jobs.

Marchwood station will be upgraded if proposals to reopen the Totton to Hythe line are approved (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

Aldred Drummond, chief executive of Fawley Waterside, has welcomed the outcome of the Network Rail consultation.

He said: "This is a resounding show of support from the Waterside community at large in addition to the 82 letters of support from community and business leaders which have been sent to the rail minister.

"Reopening the railway is a vital part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dramatically improve connections along the Waterside."

The level crossing at Frost Lane, Hythe. The original line went as far as Fawley (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

Nick Farthing, chairman of the Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership, said the outcome tied in with the Hampshire County Council's Waterside Transport Strategy consultation, which also showed support for a reopened railway.

"With this in mind, it is hoped the scheme will now be progressed at pace with an opening in the near future."

READ MORE: Marchwood councillor raps proposal to restore passenger services on Waterside rail route

Liberal Democrats in the area have also welcomed the result of the consultation.

Hythe district councillor Mark Clark said: "We welcome the huge engagement by the public. The consultation produced over 1,500 responses, with 84 per cent in favour of the line reopening to passengers.

"We have always wanted to encourage people out of their cars by providing an alternative, secure, robust and value-for-money public transport system."

Cllr Clark said reopening the rail route would help tackle ever-increasing pressure on the A326.

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