Gregory Barker MP visits the Kent & East Sussex Railway
Gregory Barker MP visits the Kent & East Sussex Railway
21st February 2012
Categories: Latest News
Gregory Barker MP visited the Kent & East Sussex Railway to find out the importance the K&ESR has on the economy of his constituency and also to understand what the proposed line extension from Bodiam to Robertsbridge will mean for the railway but also for the historic medieval village of Robertsbridge.
The railway’s General Manager Graham Baldwin said:
“Mr Barker experienced the thrill of being on the footplate of one of our steam trains before discussing issues relating to level crossing orders on the A21 and learning of the positive impact the line extension will have for the Robertsbridge economy. We also discussed how critical our 400+ volunteers are to the running of the railway, how we work with other tourist attractions to bring visitors to the area, and the importance of gift aid to our financial survival, especially as the price of steel and coal are both increasing substantially.”
Gregory Barker MP said:
“I am delighted to see that the Kent and East Sussex Railway continues to go from strength to strength by developing new ideas to attract more visitors. I fully support their exciting proposal to eventually extend the line to Robertsbridge which will also provide a link to the mainline London to Hastings rail service.
This heritage line is vitally important to our local economy because it attracts so many visitors to the area which is a real boost for other local businesses and tourist attractions in Bexhill and Battle constituency, including Bodiam Castle and the Northiam Toy Museum.”
The Kent & East Sussex Railway currently runs from Tenterden to Bodiam Station. The new line extension will take passengers beyond Bodiam to Robertsbridge and it is hoped that the extension will increase the annual visitor numbers which currently stand at 100,000.
Passengers taking a journey on the railway have the added bonus of being able to visit the newly opened Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum opposite Northiam Station and also Bodiam Castle which is a short walk from Bodiam Station. When the new line is opened the extension will also give passengers the chance to explore the large historic village of Robertsbridge.