CAMPAIGNERS supporting proposals to reopen a Hampshire branch line have welcomed calls for the region's rail system to be given a major upgrade.

A vote taken at the annual Business South conference showed that 40 per cent of delegates wanted to see better rail routes, compared with 21 per cent who were in favour of road improvements.

The result has been welcomed by supporters of proposals to reopen the Totton to Hythe line, which closed to passengers in 1966.

Daily Echo: Campaigners are calling for passenger trains to be reintroduced on the Totton to Hythe branch lineCampaigners are calling for passenger trains to be reintroduced on the Totton to Hythe branch line (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

If the scheme goes ahead passenger services will run from Southampton Central to an upgraded station at Marchwood and a new transport hub in Hythe.

Network Rail has just completed a public consultation and is expected to announce the results next month.

Aldred Drummond is chief executive of Fawley Waterside, which has secured outline planning permission for 1,500 on the former Fawley power site, plus commercial facilities that could create more than 2,500 jobs.

Mr Drummond, who was at the Business South event, said: “I was delighted to see the reaction from the delegates and their support for the region’s rail infrastructure.

"From our perspective at Fawley Waterside, the Waterside line would be an important component of the whole picture.

"Regardless of our interests though, the reintroduction of a new passenger train will benefit the whole community and cut both traffic congestion and travel time in getting to Southampton and the wider region."

Referring to the vote he added: "The fact that business leaders share my view is a real boost for the campaign.”

Daily Echo: Campaigners are calling for passenger trains to be reintroduced on the freight-only Totton to Hythe branch line.Campaigners are calling for passenger trains to be reintroduced on the freight-only Totton to Hythe branch line. (Image: Newsquest.)

Nick Farthing is chairman of the Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership, which campaigning for improvements to train services in the south.

He said: "With continued support and lobbying of the decision makers, it is hoped the railway will become an integral part of the transport mix within the next two or three years."

The line is currently used only by the occasional freight train.

Mr Farthing said the proposed Fawley Waterside development and the Solent Freeport project had increased the need for passenger services to be reintroduced.

But Marchwood councillor Sue Bennison has cited the cost of the project, the potential impact on bus services and the queues likely to be caused by level crossing closures.

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