MRS BLAKE of Hythe suggests removal of the Waterside railway line and replacing it with a cycle track (letters July 16th).

She also questions the support for project to examine the case for restoration of a passenger railway service.

Mrs Blake may not be aware but the existing line is fully maintained and already used on a daily basis for freight traffic.

It serves the one remaining military port at Marchwood.

In future years it will almost certainly also be used for commercial purposes, whether to Marchwood, or further down the line.

It seems criminal not to make use of existing infrastructure that will always be there.

As to support for the project, a Facebook Page titled "Waterside Community Railway" has about 3,500 followers.

The project is also supported by Hythe & Dibden Parish Council, Marchwood Parish Council, Totton & Eling Town Council, New Forest District Council, the New Forest National Park Authority and Hampshire County Council.

Cllr David Harrison

Totton