We notice with regret that the railway branch linking the Port of Poole has been fenced off and sits idle. The line runs right the way into the heart of the port and up to the dockside. It is a fantastic piece of infrastructure of the ilk that many local authorities and planners would envy. It remains perfectly serviceable yet unviable according to Andy Ramsford, Harbour Engineer at the Poole Harbour Commissioners. We discussed why it was no longer in use. He lamented this and said that it is only because there are no trade operators who want this service at this time. It has to be for journeys of well over 200 miles and on a very regular basis.

In these days of low carbon initiatives and despite the soon to be opened bridge, road links nationally to this area are not good at all. It is truly regrettable that this facility cannot be better used, thus taking trucks off the roads of Poole and allowing the Port of Poole to thrive with industry.  We are glad to hear from PHC that they are trying to keep the line open for the long term and have no immediate plans to take up the line.