Calls are growing to reopen the historic railway line connecting Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, and Gloucester, a route that was discontinued under the Beeching cuts in the mid-1960s. Advocates argue that restoring this line could significantly improve transportation links from Herefordshire to the rest of the country.
During recent discussions on Herefordshire’s Local Transport Plan, which outlines transport strategy up to 2041, Ross West councillor Louis Stark highlighted the importance of expanding the county’s rail infrastructure. He emphasized that instead of focusing solely on improving the Hereford to London service via Birmingham, efforts should also explore reopening the line south through Ross-on-Wye to Gloucester. This would not only enhance access to Bristol and the South West but also create a more natural rail corridor for the region.
Councillor Stark urged the council to commit to a feasibility study for this project, noting that the British Rail Transport Association (BRTA) already supports reviving the service. While the Local Transport Plan includes ambitions to more than double rail usage and mentions plans for new stations—including one south of Hereford—the details remain limited.
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Herefordshire Council leader Jonathan Lester confirmed that rail and freight strategies will be developed to complement the overarching transport plan, aiming for an integrated, multi-modal transport system designed to meet the region’s future needs.
The original Hereford-Ross-Gloucester rail line, in operation since 1855, was closed in the 1960s. Today, the former Ross-on-Wye station has been replaced by the Ashburton industrial estate, reflecting the significant changes since the line’s closure.