I WOULD always welcome plans for new rail connections.

It was heartening then to see proposals to connect Cirencester to Kemble by light railway.

This will transform the historic market town and all those who live there. 

However, the cost of this project would be nearly ten times the cost of reopening the Stroudwater Station in Stonehouse, which will link the people of the Stroud Valleys directly to the major cities of Bristol and Birmingham.

The cost-benefit analysis both in terms of economics and the environment all strongly support the case for Stroudwater Station.

Is there a reason why one is being given the green light and the other stalled?

I’m asking on behalf of not just Stonehouse but all those in the surrounding area who would benefit from a direct line to Bristol.  

Steve Hynd

Stroud