With reference to the proposal to reinstate the railway from Robertsbridge to Bodiam I wish to affirm my support for Option A as outlined, highlighting the principle points as follows:

Considerable progress has already been achieved implanting Policy EM8 extending the Kent & East Sussex Line back from Bodiam to Junction Road. With generous funding the station and associated trackwork at Robertsbridge is proceeding apace to a high standing of construction and aesthetic appearance.

The K&ESR will be running passenger trains on both sections - Tenterden to Bodiam, Bodiam to Robertsbridge.

There will be a really good economic benefit to the local area, linking as it will a main line station and town at Robertsbridge, the special heritage value of Bodiam Castle, the ancient town of Tenterden, and various hostelries and local rural business en route.

It will be continuing to implement Rother District Council's Local Plan

The Rother Valley Railway will cooperate fully with the highly successful K&ESR who will operate the line.

On a personal note, one cannot fail to see how heritage railways in Britain have become very big news, with countless lines either now operating, extending or being reinstated, providing in many cases a public transport link but always a popular recreational pastime, for people from all ages and backgrounds. It has been shown time and time again that the most successful are those which are able to reconnect their heritage line with a main line station, reducing motor traffic and bringing people from all over the country to the line and all its associated attractions.