Clearance work has begun on track that could become part of the strategic East-West rail link.

Bushes and plants are being removed on 12 miles of disused rail line between Bletchley and Claydon Junction in Buckinghamshire.

Surveyors are investigating the area so designers can look at the planned western section of the £225million East-West Rail project.

The project is being led by Milton Keynes Partnership and the East West Rail Consortium.

Once the design work is complete at the end of this year, it will be subject to final approval and funding.

Initially trains would serve Oxford, Islip and Bicester, but later would run through to Cambridge and East Anglia.

Councillor Val Letheren, from Buckinghamshire County Council, said: "After so many years in the pipeline it is great to see work started on this vital link for the many thousands of homes planned for this region by 2026."

Railfuture has been calling for the Oxford-Cambridge rail link to be reinstated, using a combination of existing, upgraded and reopened lines to complete the 100mph link.

"This scheme has a number of advantages," said Peter Lawrence of Railfuture.

"We want to link some of the fastest growing communities in the country without causing road congestion or the hassle of crossing central London.  

"We believe it will encourage inward investment from industry and tourism, as well as providing much-needed additional capacity for passengers and freight.  At a time when environmental concerns are top of the agenda, it's more important than ever to invest in green transport such as rail.

"In Wales and Scotland miles of new railway are being built. Why not in England? We're calling on the East of England Assembly and Development Agency to work with their colleagues in the South East and continue to press for this strategic rail link".

Railfuture has produced a leaflet  on the scheme which can be downloaded from

Ox-Cam.

Info from the BBC and Bruce Williamson media at railfuture.org.uk