ONE of Hampshire's main tourist attractions could again become a major way for people to get to work.

The Watercress Line steam railway and several local authorities are looking at introducing peak-time trains between Alresford and Alton.

It would be the first time commuters have used the line since British Rail controversially closed the track between Winchester and Alresford in 1973.

Would-be operators acknowledge overcoming objections from trackside neighbours would be a major hurdle.

South West Trains, Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, East Hampshire District Council and other authorities are undertaking a feasibility study.

South West Trains is operating at close to capacity on services into London and believes that could be eased by allowing passengers to board at Alresford and the Watercress Line's stations at Ropley, Four Marks and Medstead.

David Snow, chairman of the Mid-Hants Railway which operates the line, said: "This is an idea that is being examined to see what the implications are and the costs.

"It could be done. The question is whether it would be economically sensible. There are staffing and signalling costs, getting staff into work at 6.30am and 8pm.

"It is a mixture of exciting and daunting. There are issues in terms of neighbours. We normally run services in the daytime only."

The service would involve diesel units, not steam trains, but would be operated by staff working for the Watercress Line.

A county council spokesman said the idea was being considered and a report was due to be examined at a meeting at the end of May.

However, Alresford Town Council is less keen. If the plan was implemented the car park at the local railway station would be full by early morning and so deter shoppers.

Town council chairman Robin Atkins said he did not think the idea was workable.