Wisbech to March rail link options being discussed

Junctions along the old Bramley Line will need work to make them fit for rail again

Four options for a "rail" service between the Fenland towns of Wisbech and March are being considered by Network Rail.

Campaigners have been calling for the Bramley Line to be re-opened for decades, after it shut in the 1960s.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has asked Network Rail to look at all options.

Among the considerations are trams and light rail as a way to connect the towns.

Wisbech is currently one of the largest towns in England without a rail link.

Network Rail has been assessing ways to introduce a "shuttle service" between Wisbech and March. Passengers would then be able to connect to other rail services towards Peterborough or Ely.

It has presented its findings to the Combined Authority. Network Rail will now look at what upgrade work needs to be done and produce a report, including the costs of any work.

Work will need to be done at old level crossings, like this one at Friday Bridge

The four options being considered are conventional rail, a tram-train service, light rail and very light rail.

Connecting Wisbech to the railway is something that has been discussed by local politicians for many years and is seen as key to regenerating the town.

During a meeting of the transport and infrastructure committee last week, the Combined Authority mayor, Nik Johnson, said he had a "sense of frustration" about the time it was taking to move the project forward.

In a later statement he said he was "determined to see Wisbech get the transport connections" it deserves.

He added that "it's right that Network Rail looks at all the options available", and went on to say that "Wisbech needs whatever works best - a modern solution that can equip it for the future, and serve residents and visitors with the links they can rely on".

During the meeting, Rob Russell, from Network Rail, said he expected the report assessing the options to be finished by the end of March, with the financial consideration report finished about a month later.