Chalvey rail station plan goes out to public

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Views are being sought on plans to build a new railway station in Berkshire.

Slough Borough Council has launched a four-week consultation asking residents in Chalvey if they want a new stop on the line between Slough and Windsor.

A single unmanned platform is proposed on the line currently operated by First Great Western.

Chalvey last had a railway station in 1929 but it closed the following year after just 14 months.

First Great Western and Network Rail say they will work with the borough council on any business case for the project.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, from Slough Borough Council, said the scheme was part of a regeneration strategy for Chalvey.

He said the station "could make a substantial contribution to lifting the Chalvey neighbourhood".

"We have pledged to test the viability of a new railway stop on the Slough to Windsor line, making it easier for people to access rail travel generally without having to travel by car first to central Slough," Mr Swindlehurst added.

[eightf48544]

Very interesting. I used to live opposite where the station would be. I walked to Slough Station!

I think the significant thing in the report is:

"Chalvey last had a railway station in 1929 but it closed the following year after just 14 months."

My thoughts have always been along the lines of redoubling at least as far as Brunel's River bridge possibly a second paltform at Windsor and run 2 train 10 minute interval Metro service. 10minutes works quite well 6 minute running time 4 minute turnround. Trains would leave Windsor and Slough at the same time and pass midway on the double track. A Chalvey station would make a 10 minute interval difficult plus it would have to be a 2 platform station at huge extra cost. 

What about a station on the Eton/Eton Wick road as well then maybe a 2 train 15 minute service could be run.

Oh yes just as a sideline people are beginning to start making noises about the wires over the arches at Eton blocking the view of the castle, just like Maidenhead bridge.

 

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the Slough and Windsor Observer:

The community reacts to plans for a railway stop in Chalvey

A community has welcomed plans for a railway stop that could 'bring the life' back to Chalvey.

Slough Borough Council has launched a consultation with residents for a single platform stop between the back of Slough and Eton CofE Business and Enterprise College, in Ragstone Road, and the Southern Electric depot.

The Chalvey Halt would be placed on the line between Slough and Windsor. The stop would be unmanned, with automated ticket machines.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal, said the stop would 'make it easier for residents to access rail travel' - without having to drive to central Slough.

He said: "This is the first stage in assessing if a halt station is deliverable. A station could make a substantial contribution to lifting the Chalvey neighbourhood and I hope residents will respond positively to the consultation."

Consultation started on Monday, with researchers carrying out door-to-door surveys, and will run for four weeks. Questionnaires can also be completed online at www.slough.gov.uk

Businessman Ashiq Abdeali, owner of Alexandra Plaza, in Chalvey Road West, said: "Any attempt to bring some activity and improve and enhance the area can only be good, because the one-way system has turned Chalvey into a ghost town. While it is good, the community need to know the consultations are a farce - the decision is pre-determined."

The railway line last had a stop in Chalvey in 1929 - although it was closed a year later after opening.

Barry Hodkinson, chairman of Slough and Windsor Railway Society, added: "Our initial reaction was that it seems a good idea. It would save people time commuting to work - they wouldn't have to drive to Slough - and would take traffic away from the area."

Windsor Councillor George Bathurst, who has submitted plans for a railway line - the Windsor Rail Link - to join Slough to Heathrow, via Windsor and Staines, said the stop would not impact his plans, adding: "I'm pleased Slough Borough Council is considering some of our ideas."

[lordgoata]

"Our initial reaction was that it seems a good idea. It would save people time commuting to work - they wouldn't have to drive to Slough"

Drive from Chalvey to Slough station? It's a 10 minute walk at most!

[eightf48544]

One thing that has been moorted is a Windsor Park and Ride Station (for coaches?) somewhere between the M4 Junction 6 the railway line the Relief Road and the Jubilee River, but that's not Slough or Chalvey.