The rail link between Braintree and Witham, once threatened by closure, is booming as never before.

The seven-mile stretch of rural line is carrying over a third more passengers than it did before it was privatised in 1997, operators First Great Eastern say.

"The line has become a huge success story," said Theo Steel, marketing manager.

''It reflects the area's position as one of the fastest growing in the UK."

Braintree station was restored in 1998 and a new station was opened at Freeport a year later.

There are plans in the pipeline to spend £13.6m on a loop line at Cressing, longer platforms and a footbridge at Freeport.

He was surprised Witham Town Council was calling for a free bus service from Witham to Freeport when they had an excellent rail link open until late evening.

But David Bigg, chairman of the rail users association, said the suggested improvements were too little, too late, and could not be in place until 2007 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, he predicted the number of passengers using the line would continue to rise from its present 1,200 a day to 1,600 over the next five years and double in 10 years.

"Unless the trains are extended from eight cars to 12, and the loop installed, it will mean overcrowding."

Published Thursday, January 23, 2003

Brought to you by the Essex Chronicle