NRegan

Last updated at 00:00, Friday, 12 January 2007

CONSULTANTS are carrying out a preliminary appraisal of the likely costs involved in re-opening the Keswick to Penrith railway line.

However, CKP railways, the company formed to promote the scheme, claims that blockages to the trackbed at Flusco, near Penrith, could add £17 million to the restructuring bill.

Outline planning permission was given years ago for an industrial park at Flusco, but the company said there is no need for the track to be blocked while there are ongoing proposals to restore the line.

CKP is asking it supporters to write to Eden District Council objecting to all blockages of the trackbed.

It’s also likely that a multi-million pound scheme will be needed to re-route the cycleway between Keswick and Threlkeld.

Corus Rail Infrastructure Services is looking into the project for the railway company, which said there could be funding available.

CKP say there is support for the line, which closed more than 30 years ago, to be reopened as a sustainable entry into the heart of the Lake District.

However, managing director Cedric Martindale said vital support from the Government and local authorities for the protection of the old trackbed was still not forthcoming.

The current economic appraisal is expected to lead to the preparation of a commercial business plan for the line.

First published at 14:15, Thursday, 24 January 2008
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk