A feasibility study is being conducted for the county council to evaluate the possibility of reopening a train station in Wantage or the nearby village of Grove. Trains had been absent from this area for over a century due to the ‘Beeching cuts’ in 1964 that led to its closure.
This study, expected to be published by the end of September, will assess the financial viability of a new station and the best potential location. Although specific services through the station haven’t been finalized, there are suggestions to link it with the East-West Railway to Cambridge, currently under construction.
One significant challenge facing this project is cost. However, an initial assessment by the county council suggests a favorable benefit-cost ratio of 2.48, meaning a return of £2.48 for every £1 invested. The MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly Glover, emphasized the main challenge now is securing funding, advocating for the project with the Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy.
Olly Glover shared, “I am working to bring together businesses and organizations that could support the project.” Meanwhile, Councillor Sarah James, leader of the Green group on the Vale of White Horse District Council, insists the county council connect this project to the proposed reservoir near Abingdon. She stated, “If Thames Water gets permission, they’ll build railway sidings for construction materials on the line of one proposed Grove Station site. It’s crucial the county council ensures these plans support a passenger station at Grove.”
The feasibility study’s progress is being closely watched by the Wantage and Grove Station Supporters Group (WGSSG), who recently celebrated the endorsement of the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, home to over 7,500 people, for the scheme. Andy Holding from the group commented, “It’s great news,” while Mr. Glover echoed this sentiment, expressing his pleasure at the development.
Paul McSweeney, a senior director at Harwell Campus, noted, “Enhancing access to the campus is positive for talent movement, ideas, and collaboration.” Similarly, a spokesperson from the Wantage Chamber of Commerce mentioned, “From a business standpoint, improved connectivity is always beneficial, facilitating opportunities for customers and the workforce alike.”
Local leaders in Wantage and Grove unanimously agree on the need for improved transport infrastructure. “Residents have been crying out for this for decades,” Ms. James pointed out, highlighting the significant housing and population growth. Andy Holding also emphasized the growing population and burgeoning businesses within the area.
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