Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions 2008

Comment

Representation ID: 19969

Received: 26/01/2009

Respondent: Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust

RVR comments on paragraph 9.39:
The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a significant tourist attraction operating on 181 days with around 90,000 passenger journeys. The National Trust at Bodiam has expressed its support for completion of link between Robertsbridge and Bodiam to provide public transport to the major attraction of Bodiam Castle via the mainline.
Paragraph 9.64: It is also a significant contributor to the local economy around Tenterden. Not only is there an economic impact from salaries paid to staff but tourists visiting the railway also visit the local shops and other attractions spending more money while in the area. It is anticipated that there will be a similar impact on Robertsbridge when it becomes part of that tourism corridor.

Support

Representation ID: 19971

Received: 26/01/2009

Respondent: Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust

RVR supports the Preferred Strategy (c)(v):-
(v) Rother Valley Railway continues to make progress on the Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway extension and will be laying a further 700m of railtrack westwards from Bodiam Station towards Robertsbridge starting in January 2009.

Support

Representation ID: 20015

Received: 26/01/2009

Respondent: Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust

RVR supports aims (viii), (ix)), and (x):-
(viii) Completion of the Kent & East Sussex Railway between Robertsbridge and Bodiam will provide improved access for the public to the Rother valley with views of areas not previously accessible.
(ix) Kent & East Sussex Railway provides employment to around 27 paid staff with a total salary bill of £500,000. This number will rise in reaction to the increased operation over the extended route.
(x) The link between Robertsbridge and Bodiam will allow the public from London and Hastings to access Bodiam Castle by train.

Support

Representation ID: 20019

Received: 26/01/2009

Respondent: Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust

RVR supports aims (ii) and (iv):-
(ii) The Kent & East Sussex Railway Carriage and Wagon Works at Tenterden and the Locomotive Works at Rolvenden provide a reservoir of skills required in the heritage industry. Trainees are recruited to learn these skills and keep them alive.
(iv) Kent and East Sussex Railway provides employment to around 27 paid staff and a large number of unpaid (volunteer) staff in a wide range of jobs. Operating services over the link between Robertsbridge and Bodiam will lead increase in staff.