THE metamorphosis of Railtrack to Network Rail has led to a pledge by Alton Line UsersÕ Association, (ALUA) to step up the pressure for a return to double-line working from Farnham to Alton.
The campaign has swung into overdrive to tie in with the construction by SWT of a £22 million carriage depot at Farnham railway station.
SWT has ordered 785 new Desiro trains to replace aging Mark I stock and, while the main Siemens maintenance depot for the new trains is to be at Northam in Southampton, Farnham has been chosen as its second in line.
In addition, there are plans afoot to lengthen platforms at 70 main line stations on the SWT network including Alton and Bentley.
ALUA is also being spurred on by the plan by Hampshire Waste Services to build a new Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) on the A31 at CuckooÕs Corner.
Its campaign for double-track working reflects concern over increased vehicle movement associated with the plant and a determination that local people should benefit from an upgraded rail network which would not only improve the service for passengers but be used to handle what looks set to become a significant freight operation.
The fear locally is over the impact of an estimated 250 truck movements a day - a figure expected to increase significantly over the years - using roads such as the already busy A339, the Butts Bridge junction at Alton, and the A31 itself.
But, since the former Gibbs-Palmer cold store site actually backs onto the main Alton to Waterloo line, campaigners believe that it would make environmentally sound sense for at least some of the associated freight to travel by rail.
ALUA chairman Chris Campbell reports that last monthÕs committee meeting drew unanimous agreement for determined action which is to include continued lobbying of rail chiefs and a public awareness exercise, designed to stimulate a ground swell of support.
In addition, he points out that the new sub-station at Farnham would easily cater for the running of a second line to Alton.
ALUA members will be joining the Mid-Hants RailwayÕs main line excursion down the Fawley line on Saturday, October 26, when it is hoped they may be joined by local steam train enthusiasts.
The journey will take passengers along the freight lines linking Marchwood, Fawley and Luggershall to the main rail network. Details and tickets may be obtained form the Mid-Hants Railway on 01962 733810.