Campaign to improve rail links with Windsor

Published 14 Jun 2010 16:00 0 Comments

PLANS for a rail link between Ascot and Windsor are being drawn up and could be completed in the next four years.

Windsor Link Rail (WLR) proposes to 'fill in the gaps' in the existing rail links in the area, by linking Ascot with Windsor, Slough and Heathrow Airport.

Founder and promoter George Bathurst said: "Other schemes like the proposed Heathrow Airtrack really just benefit BAA, and not local people, so we thought let's provide a service that does just that.

"We want to invest in the small missing links in the railway system around here, which will make a big difference."

WLR is currently still in the planning stage as the company is gauging public support and exploring funding opportunities.

It plans to be fully privately funded, and has already been in discussion with the local authorities and with National Rail over timetabling.

Mr Bathurst added: "We have had a 15:1 positive to negative feedback ratio on the website from local people, so that's great."

The proposed rail link, which should take three years to build onceplanning is completed, would ease road traffic especially on the M4 and M25 and towards Legoland, said Mr Bathurst.

The company is also planning a transport interchange on the M3 in the distant future.

Mr Bathurst said: "Windsor exceeds the EU regulations for air pollution so we want to improve the environment for local people.

"Unless local people stand up and start promoting these things then they won't happen."

WLR estimate that it would cost £5 million to put together the plans for the rail link, which should take a year, and it is currently working on getting transport and work act approvals.

The over all cost of the rail link is estimated to cost £500 million. Visit www.windsorlink.co.uk for more information.

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This article appeared in Bracknell News 10 Jun 10

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