Combe Junction? It has been said on here that the only reason it survives is because of the difficulty closing it.
I hope the PM is aware of the new junction that has suddenly appeared in his constituency, and already seems under threat of closure...
I actually said on here that there are (in my opinion) several reasons why
Coombe Junction Halt survives, only
some of which are related to the difficulty in closing it...
Surely Coombe should be axed (or Coombe Junction Wishing well halt, or whatever it's called this week).
I can give you my opinion as to why its still there:
- No rolling stock/crewing costs to escape through closure.
- No lighting costs to escape through closure.
- Line through Coombe would have to remain to serve Moorswater, so no costs to escape there.
- Passenger trains have to reverse/change direction near there anyway, even if they dont call at the station.
- A significant sum would be payable to consultants conducting a cost/benefit analysis under the closure guidance.
- A consultation would have to be held into the closure, during which someone will undoubtably seek to frustrate the process in order to avoid a precedent being set for stations elsewhere.
- The media would descend upon Coombe, as they always seem to when they want a story regarding potential closures.
Chris is also right to be wary of making it easier to close stations such as Pilning. I remember discussing at length with one of the senior folks from his
CRP▸ how future development of the area around that station could transform its status, and there is also the issue of its current usefulness when problems occur with the nearby Severn Tunnel.
If we want to look further afield to Denton, then its worth noting that a key reason it was saved from closure only a few years ago was the business case put forward by the locals for future regular services to Manchester Victoria.