and just six months later, this x.com/WestOfEngMayor…

"Build it ... for those who are already there!"

"Making the North Devon line a 21st-century railway" says our press release published ahead of the second annual Convention of the two dozen-strong Alliance, in Barnstaple on Friday 7th. See railfuture.org.uk/display3963

A transport project funded not, as might have been expected, by DfT but by the former DLUHC (now MHCLG). Devon does delivery. Mid-Cornwall Metro likewise DLUHC/MHCLG-funded, both projects demonstrating integration of transport across government, not just across modes.

That's actually one going up and seven more still to come!

and for those wishing to visit us but couldn't, for our Hoo Peninsula Railway campaign see our response to Medway's latest consultation: railfuture.org.uk/display3977 and for our BridgeTheGap campaign see our response to Lewes District's latest consultation: railfuture.org.uk/display3955

More, much more, here: railfuture.org.uk/Bideford-and-B…

On this date, now 15 years back. Viaduct of dreams: re-build it for those who are already there, and they will come - in droves. In 2023-24, Dalston Junction station was ranked 86th-busiest in Britain! In 2023-24, Shoreditch High Street station was the 55th-busiest in Britain!

East Sussex County Council just announced public consultations on draft Rail and Freight Strategies 2025-50: eastsussex.gov.uk/roads-transpor… Until Monday 30 June. Our approach? First, 'answer the exam questions'! See the previews of the two consultations' questions - some are 'open'.

On this date, in 1872, Bideford saw its 2nd station opening (the 1st in 1855). There can soon be a third, on this site, with support from the community, their elected representatives at all levels, and their officials, and the rail industry. See railfuture.org.uk/Bideford-and-B… and diary.

"Continue to address the over-emphasis on benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) in government appraisal, including by banning the use of arbitrary BCR thresholds as a simple means of determining if something should be funded." Says HM Treasury 10-year Infrastructure Strategy (para. 1.13).

"Launching July 2025, the Infrastructure Pipeline’s interactive portal will describe projects & programmes will deliver this strategy, allowing businesses to see types of opportunities available up to 10 years ahead." Says HM Treasury 10-year Infrastructure Strategy (para. 1.29).

"At its launch the Infrastructure Pipeline will represent a post-Spending Review 2025 snapshot, providing information on committed projects in government’s capital portfolio" says HM Treasury 10-year Infrastructure Strategy (para. 1.31).

Welcome news and although "smaller accessibility projects" were included gov.uk/government/new… they were repeated from May: gov.uk/government/pub… with five of the 50 in the government's South West region: Bodmin Parkway, Castle Cary, Dorchester South, Stroud, Yeovil Junction.

On this date, a decade ago, the link in central Hackney between orbital and radial routes was restored for passenger use. The previous link had been demolished not long after the orbital route (Broad Street-Poplar, via Dalston Junction and Victoria Park) had closed in May 1944.

New 15-year Local Transport Plan welcomed by rail alliance. Regional branch Chair: "This is a vital point of reference for all those campaigning for sustainable transport improvements." Alliance Convener: "This completes the twin building blocks of regional transport planning."

Dear diary: railfuture.org.uk/Bideford-and-B…

At the official opening of Blyth Bebside Station this week we heard from our Deputy Leader Richard Wearmouth and also caught up with Rail Historian and TV presenter Tim Dunn, who described the project as 'phenomenal'!

Progress on track - Magna Tram Train station! Lift shafts and the passenger bridge are now in place. Opening early 2026, the new station will help people get to work, school, and leisure more easily – and support regeneration in Rotherham. Learn more at: southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/news/article/m…

On this date, in 1855, the railway first reached Bideford (image of first train approaching original Cross Parks station). Only 110 years later, scheduled passenger services were withdrawn. Their return is being championed now by the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.