A COMMUTER says he has discovered "overwhelming support" for proposals to launch a new train service between Southampton and Hythe.

But Cllr Mark Clark fears not enough people who want passenger services to be reintroduced will make their feelings known to Network Rail, which is consulting the public.

Cllr Clark lives in Hythe, where a new station will be built if the Waterside branch line is reopened.

He said: "I’ve spoken to many, many people and the overwhelming reaction is that they're in favour of the new railway line.

"Now, with a little over two weeks of the consultation to run, it’s vitally important that people make their voices heard.”

Daily Echo: Cllr Mark Clark says he fears not enough people who support proposals to reopen the Totton to Hythe branch line will make their views known.Cllr Mark Clark says he fears not enough people who support proposals to reopen the Totton to Hythe branch line will make their views known.

Cllr Clark, a director of a London-based communications company, said the restoration of passenger trains would benefit commuters by cutting travel times.

He added: "I also have two grown-up children living in Totton and Eastleigh and for them, and thousands of others, a railway running to the Waterside would be fantastic.”

The parish and district councillor described the proposed new service as a once-in-a-generation opportunity that should be seized with both hands.

He said: "The future for the Waterside area has never been brighter.

"Freeport status will give the area a huge boost and outline planning permission has been secured for the Fawley Waterside development, a new town boasting 1,500 homes together with commercial opportunities generating in excess of 2,500 jobs.

"These are exciting times but in my view the existing transport framework will simply not cope.”

Daily Echo: Marchwood station will be reopened and upgraded if passenger services on the line are reintroduced. Picture: Network Rail.Marchwood station will be reopened and upgraded if passenger services on the line are reintroduced. Picture: Network Rail. (Image: Network Rail.)

Addressing fears that the proposed new line could hit the Hythe Ferry and potential improvements to the A326, Cllr Clark said the community should learn lessons from Europe, where integrated transport systems were a great success.

“I’ve been to Hamburg on many occasions – a port city similar to Southampton – and they have one ticket which allows you to travel on buses, trains and ferries.

"It works really well and makes perfect sense. Here on the Waterside, we need to deliver the same thing.”

Consultation sessions are being held at Marchwood Junior School on September 5, Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall on September 6, Totton and Eling Community Centre on September 8, and Jubilee Hall, Fawley, on September 9.

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