Petition · past parliament

Provide protection for closed railway track-beds to aid rural regeneration.

Closed 3,782 signatures

What the petition asks

In the mid-1960's Dr Beeching was employed to find ways of making the railways more profitable and his report resulted in the closure of a large part of our railway system. The report failed to take into account the growth in population and the necessity for rural transport.
The railways were mainly built under Act of Parliament. After closure Local Authorities have sold off railway land for development. Usage for footpaths and cycleways is fine. Building houses and industrial estates prevent regeneration of these railways. Scotrail are re-opening the old Waverley route. Groups would like to reopen lines such as the Somerset and Dorset, Deeside line, Lynton & Barnstable. Local authorites should be required to aid projects and reject planning for developments.

Timeline

28 Jul 2015 Petition opened for signatures
28 Jan 2016 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 3,782
Status Closed
Opened 28 Jul 2015
Closed 28 Jan 2016

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.