Joint approach The Strategic Rail Authority’s plans for the Joint Line to become a major artery in a redrawn Anglia-Humber franchise is welcomed by the branch, although we hope to ensure preoccupation with this route does not undermine the Central Trains routes via Grimsby-Lincoln-Nottingham-West Midlands and Skegness-Grantham-Nottingham-West Midlands. The Central Trains services provide a tranche of main line journey opportunities on what were once merely branch lines.
Support team RDS members turned out at meetings in Peakirk, Sleaford and Spalding to give support to Railtrack’s public launch of its plans to upgrade the East Coast main line. We were able to allay fears among some residents of the effects of increased rail traffic.
New connection Railtrack is showing interest in proposals by the Wash Rail Users Association to restore a Spalding-March connection which was severed in 1982.
Pride RDS member Paul Jowett is helping North Kesteven District Council in its drive to obtain funding for a station approach upgrade as part of a Sleaford Pride regeneration scheme.
King Coal Coal traffic may inject some new life into the thinly served Gainsborough-Barnetby route. RDS is calling on the SRA to provide for a six-day service along the line, served by trains from Cleethorpes.
Reopenings RDS launched a new station reopening campaign in September highlighting the fact that Lincolnshire has had no reopened stations since Ruskington and Metheringham, 25 years ago! We have highlighted how successful they have been.
New guides RDS is soon to publish rail guides for Crowle, Saxilby, Barnetby and Market Rasen, as well as leaflets on the Skegness line, the Joint Line and freight in the county. We are hoping parish councils will provide partnership funding for the initiatives.
Mini terminal We are calling on West Lindsey District Council to take action to get a new rail freight transfer depot at Gainsborough. Low Yard survives intact and by reconnecting the spur could be a mini rail terminal at little cost.
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