MKWeb, the Milton Keynes news website, reports that over the coming months Network Rail is clearing vegetation and carrying out topographical and winter ecology surveys on the disused track between Steeple Claydon and Bletchley.  Work will also be carried out on the freight line between Bicester and Claydon Junction.

These sections of track will form part of the East West Rail scheme which will re-establish rail links to bridge the gap between Oxford, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes and Bedford.  Potential routes for an extension further east, to link Oxford with Cambridge, are being assessed and the campaign to restore this link continues - for more details and to register your support see http://www.railfuture.org.uk/ox-cam .

Letters have been sent out to local residents explaining the work.  Ecologists will be on site to assess potential bat roosts in trees, structures and buildings and to supervise the clearance work and ensure it is carried out in a manner which will not impact on local ecology.