The group adds that “others are needed for proposed active travel schemes”.
The report concludes: “Our evaluation suggests that about one-third of the 130 bridges and tunnels earmarked for demolition or infilling by Highways England has demonstrable value, although another third has no realistic value and could reasonably be put beyond use without apparent consequences.
“It is recognised that the 3,100 structures of the Historical Railways Estate have to be managed appropriately to ensure they present no meaningful public safety risk.
“A handful of the threatened bridges carry A-roads and potentially hundreds of vehicles every day. Most however are on quiet country lanes and farm tracks, are in Good/Fair condition and show no signs of being overloaded.”
A LOCAL transport group has issued some advice to residents looking to save money whilst travelling by train. With some rail fares increasing by 2.6 per cent from March 1, the West Dorset Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG) has highlighted a number of ways passengers can save money on their train tickets. The group s top tips are to book in advance, travel off-peak when possible, purchase a railcard if you travel frequently for sizeable savings, book through the train operator s website to avoid paying a booking fee and making use of split ticketing. The group also advises to subscribe to railway company newsletters, so that you can be the first to hear of any offers.
It s been almost half a century since trains ran from Bridport, and the branch line from West Bay to Maiden Newton is now only a memory. But a group is now trying to resurrect the line with a new idea for a sustainable railway link. It s a monumental task – the costs would be astronomical and much of the former branch line route, especially through Bridport, has been built on. The line was pulled up in 1975 and little trace of it remains in some places. But the group strongly believes its zero carbon public transport scheme involving a tram-like train on a narrow gauge line should be considered in discussions about future transport solutions, and they want to involve the community and see what support there is for the plan.