Shropshire: Council cycle plans face issues says heritage rail
A consultation roadshow, created by Shropshire Council, visited Oswestry last week after it was launched as part of a county-wide initiative to improve walking and cycling routes.
However, some residents who attended the consultation for the cycling and walking plan (also referred to as the LCWIP) last Wednesday were left dumbfounded when they were told that Oswestry does not have a railway station.
And this was further compounded by, upon further inspection, the line repeated on the council’s webpage for the consultation, leading to Cambrian Heritage Railways (CHR), which occupies the Oswald Road station, to be contacted over what involvement they had had.
Chairman Rob Williams said the group supports any attempts to improve transport links between the two locations, but says there are logistical issues for a cycle path.
He said: “CHR’s aim is to promote use of the Gobowen to Llanddu railway line for the benefit of the community and to this end, we are promoting a number of separate initiatives.
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“Among the options which we are open to exploring is the creation of cycle and walking routes, this is actually one of the solutions considered under the recent options appraisal study for reinstatement of the Gobowen to Oswestry service as a community railway.
“The development of cycleway between Oswestry and Gobowen, however, faces a number of engineering challenges.
“The route is protected as a rail corridor through the Network Change process and as an operational railway through CHR TWAO, being constructed for single line means any cycleway would require expansion of cuttings and embankments to meet these obligations.
“In addition Shropshire Council’s land ownership finishes approximately three-quarters of a mile short of Gobowen.”
He added that while they want to work with other bodies to make access possible, the group remains committed to trying to bring back a branch line to the town with plans currently with the Department of Transport.
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Rob added: “CHR is open to exploring any options to make use of the railway under our control.
“A past example being the joint work with Shropshire Council in creation of a combined use between Coney Green foot crossing and Gasworks Bridge, for rail and footpath.
“In relation to Gobowen to Oswestry we are open to discussion, but believe the best solution for the town is being reconnected to the national rail network through the Community Rail proposal.
“This would allow an all-weather speedy connection to National Rail services.”
Shropshire Council has approached for comment.
References
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