WITH passenger numbers having doubled since 1995, the Connecting People: A Strategic Vision for Rail report highlights the potential for a number of reopening schemes to support further housing and industrial development in the English regions.
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Led by East West Rail, which was formally launched on December 14 (see separate story), it mentions a number of dormant lines as possible candidates for reopening, including Exeter-Okehampton, Bere Alston-Tavistock, Bristol to Portishead (see Network news) and Henbury, and Newcastle to Ashington via the Blyth & Tyne route in Northumberland.
It also points to a possible upgrade of the Camp Hill freight line in Birmingham, with four new stations, as proposed in the West Midlands transport development plan.
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Read more in January’s issue of The RM – on sale now!