Letter: Cost of Railtrack

Cost of Railtrack

Sir: Sir George Young is wrong to claim that the Government has opened or reopened 220 railway stations since it came to power (report, 20 May). Most openings have resulted from local initiatives paid for by local government, a process that is now being undermined by privatisation.

Cam and Dursley station, on the main line between Bristol and Gloucester, was built in 1994, before the split-up of British Rail, for approximately pounds 500,000. A similar station at Ashchurch necessarily involves Railtrack and the price has doubled to pounds 1m. It was due to open last year but construction has not yet begun.

As local government funds are severely limited this hike in costs will mean fewer stations are built.

DR CLIVE MOWFORTH

Spokesman

Coaley Junction Action Committee

Dursley, Gloucestershire