Letter: There Should be a Joint Council Bid to Reinstate the Cranleigh Line

Published on: 2 Apr, 2023
Updated on: 1 Apr, 2023

From: Chris Stanton

In response to: I Have Long Advocated Reopening the Guildford to Cranleigh Line

When we know the outcome of May’s elections that will provide a timely opportunity for the joint management team running Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils – together with Surrey County Council – to make formal representation to the government.

They could even seek support from our local MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, to reopen the line between Guildford and Cranleigh, ideally adding an extension to Dunsfold Park.

The rural economy served by both boroughs will benefit if they can succeed in reversing the effects of the Beeching Report – getting people out of their cars and back onto trains.

Commuters from the Cranleigh area travelling to Guildford or London currently have no choice but to drive, at least part of the way, and for London workers that may mean using congested Surrey lanes to the nearest stations with parking, including Milford, Farncombe, Clandon or Horsley.

Also, with Guildford’s Local Plan and Sustainable Movement Corridor in mind, is there not a case for getting the proposed Guildford West station built as soon as possible to serve the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Surrey Research Park and the university?

That would take a lot of traffic off the Hog’s Back and Ash/Aldershot Roads providing a new option for rail travellers through the railway hub that is Guildford Station, the junction for no fewer than five lines into our town.

Reopening to Cranleigh would make that, once again, six!

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