As part of the proposed East-West rail link between East Anglia and Oxford, BRTA concludes the route is cost effective and would ease road congestion around Bedford, among it many other benefits.

Of all the proposed reopenings in the country, Bedford-Sandy is probably the most central and crucial of them all, said Richard Pill of the BRTA.

BRTA’s new report Fresh Approaches to New Opportunities outlines the case for reopening the nine-mile route which closed in 1967.

It is only by resolute protection and halting all developments which may infringe the potential of the line that will allow the opportunity to reopen be realised within easy reach and at an affordable price, says the report.

A consortium of 25 local authorities, including Bedfordshire County Council, has been formed to promote the link.

Reopening along the old route is still possible with new sections around the A421 Bedford bypass and a Blunham housing estate which blocks the old line.

New stations are recommended at Blunham, Willington and Sandy North.

More info: www.brta.org.uk Tel: 01234 405268
www.eastwestrail.org