FIFTY years have passed since Beeching’s disastrous slaughter of the rail network, which was supported by both Conservative and Labour parties at that time.
We saw in Dorset and Hampshire the loss of the links to the north, be it via Poole to Broadstone then onto the Somerset and Dorset line to Bath, or via Wimborne, West Moors, and yes to Salisbury, otherwise the line from West Moors to Ringwood onto Brockehurst – all lost in favour of so-called cheap petrol. Thankfully, due to 40-plus years of work by hundreds of hard-working folk, we hope to see the eventual link back from Wareham into Swanage.
As a footplate fireman in the 60s I had the great pleasure of working with some wonderful train drivers and a great team that enjoyed coming to work, until this fool was allowed to destroy it all.
CLLR RON WHITTAKER, Kinson
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