Hopes that there might be a secure cycle route, linking Totton with Marchwood and Hythe have been boosted.

A small working group, called the Marchwood Transport Strategy Implementation Group, met at Marchwood Infants School this week to discuss plans aimed at advancing plans for safe cycle routes in and around the village.
A number of ideas have been put forward for consideration.

One idea, put forward by County Councillor David Harrison, was adapting the Waterside railway line so that it could be used as a safe cycle and walking route during the daytime and then revert to railway use at night.

Cllr. Harrison says “The railway line is a very straight, flat and direct means of linking Totton, Marchwood and Hythe. However, there is no passenger rail service. I’m told it would be too expensive to upgrade the line for passenger use.
I would like to see the commercial rail traffic using the railway only at night.

This would benefit Totton town centre because the train gates would need to be closed less during the day. If the railway line could be adapted for use as a cycle and walking route, it’s a potentially wonderful way of linking Marchwood with Totton & Hythe for cyclists and pedestrians”.

A number of ideas put forward by members of the group are being evaluated in terms of practicality, cost and potential land ownership difficulties.