Gathering of FOSBR members
It was with disbelief that I learnt that just as the campaign mounts to get Henbury Station back in use, the Government has sold it off. With other sell-offs like this happening around the country, this is effectively closing the coffin-lid on a the hope of replacing any road travel with rail.
This at a time when our roads are in gridlock, Bristol is facing a potential congestion charge which will hit the poorest hardest, fuel prices are crippling the budgets of families and we are desperately seeking an alternative to the car.
The local campaign group, Friends of Suburban Bristol Rail ( FOSBR ) have been mounting a campaign to resurrect Bristol’s dormant railway infrastructure. Their ambitious and long-sighted plans would see the operation of the Portishead and Henbury loop passenger/ freight line, with existing but derilict stations re-opened and in use across the city, including stops at Henbury, Horfield, North Filton, Ashley Hill and Portishead. FOSBR understand that we need long term solutions to the increasing practical and environmental problem of traffic.
The campaign to re-open Henbury station is not over, however. I, together with FOSBR and local campaigners will be challenging the sale on every ground possible. This is an issue on which every political party must unite for the sake of the future of transport in our city.
Make your voice heard
You can make your voice heard for a long-sighted solution to Bristol’s transport problems by signing FOSBR’s postcard campaign, (for details go to www.fosbr.org.uk or call 0117 9428637)
You can also come and support the campaign by joining our rally on Friday 21st November, 12.30pm,at Wilder House, Wilder Street, BS2. Members of FOSBR, local politicians and the public will be congregating to call for a better rail infrastructure in the city, and to lobby James White, the Group Leader of Transport Policy at the West of England Partnership.
We need your support, so join us and speak out for a better transport future for our city.
