Government update on future of Totton to Hythe rail line

The government has put the brakes on a multi-million-pound proposal to reintroduce passenger services on the Totton to Hythe branch line, which has been freight-only since 1966.

The scheme would not deliver value for money for the taxpayer, the government said, despite campaigners claiming significant public support for the plan.

The news was revealed after Hythe councillor Mark Clark received a letter from the Department for Transport (DfT) after submitting a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

The letter mentions a recent Commons statement made by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who cited a £22 billion "black hole" in public finances.

It says she announced the cancellation of the Restoring Your Railway project and confirms that no further funding will be provided.

Plans to reintroduce passenger trains on the Totton to Hythe line have been scrapped by the government (Image: Newquest)

Referring to the Waterside line, the letter adds: "Network Rail undertook a detailed assessment of the proposal to better understand the technical, operational, and economic benefits for the scheme.

"This assessment concluded that - despite public support for the proposal to reintroduce rail services between Hythe and Southampton - the capital cost, operational cost and constraints, and limited service levels that could be reliably operated would not deliver value for money for the taxpayer.

"Consequently, the decision was taken not to progress the scheme."

Plans to reintroduce passenger trains on the Totton to Hythe line have been scrapped by the government (Image: Newsquest) The announcement is a bitter blow to New Forest councillor David Harrison, who represents Totton and part of the Waterside area.

READ MORE: Campaigners fear plan to reopen Totton to Hythe railway line has been shelved by the government

He said: "I have been campaigning in all sorts of way for over 20 years to get passenger trains going along the line and I have been supported by many people along the way who shared the ambition.

"Some years ago the Association of Train Operating Companies identified this line as one of the best opportunities to get a new service up and running. I was further encouraged when Network Rail were given up to £7m to undertake detailed studies into the project.

"A consultation involving all local communities identified widespread support for a new service.

"At least we know where we are. I think the focus for campaigning now needs to go towards better bus services up and down the Waterside as well as the restoration of the ferry service."

The scheme included a new Hythe station to replace the existing building, which is now a heritage centre (Image: Newsquest)

Julian Lewis, Conservative MP for New Forest East, added: "I sympathise with David and others who were passionately in favour of reinstating the passenger line, and I did support investing in a feasibility study.

"Yet it always seemed doubtful that the capital costs and running costs would make economic sense."

Under the scheme, the former Marchwood station would have been reopened and a new passenger hub built at Hythe to replace the existing building, which is now a heritage centre.