Local officials are urging the inclusion of the historic Hereford-Ross-on-Wye-Gloucester railway line in modern transport planning to improve regional travel connections. The line, which operated from 1855 until its closure under the Beeching cuts in the mid-1960s, could open a vital route linking Herefordshire to Gloucester, Bristol, and the broader south of England.
During discussions on Herefordshire’s Local Transport Plan, which outlines strategies up to 2041, Ross West councillor Louis Stark highlighted the need to think beyond current rail infrastructure. “It feels like a missed opportunity not to consider reviving this line,” said Coun Stark. He pointed out that rather than focusing solely on improving the Hereford to London service via Birmingham, the transport plan should explore reopening the southern route through Ross to Gloucester. Such a move would significantly broaden access to southern destinations.
Coun Stark advocated for at least committing to a feasibility study, emphasizing that a visionary transport strategy must consider historic lines as part of future connectivity. Support for this idea already exists with the British Rail Transport Association backing the revival of this service.
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While the Local Transport Plan mentions only one new rail policy—introducing a railway station south of Hereford—and suggests investigating new stations linked to development, it also sets an ambitious goal to more than double rail usage in the region by 2041.
Herefordshire Council leader Jonathan Lester noted that rail and freight strategies will be developed to complement the overarching transport plan, aiming for an integrated, multi-modal system that serves the region comprehensively.
The original Hereford-Ross-Gloucester route is long gone, with no station buildings remaining in Ross-on-Wye, now the site of the Ashburton industrial estate. However, local voices are calling for renewed investment and planning efforts to bring this important railway link back to life, connecting communities and boosting regional economic growth.