A last-ditch bid to gain support to reopen a village railway station has failed.

Tendring councillors voted 26 to 19 against putting pressure on the rail authorities to get Thorrington station back in business after being closed for the past 45 years.

The move was led by Tom Dale (Lib Dem, Brightlingsea East) who said the facility to serve Thorrington and Brightlingsea was desperately needed if people were to be tempted out of cars and into trains.

"I am not asking the council to put up any money just make representations to the railway authority," he said.

"There is considerable investment in the railways and the Strategic Rail Authority is looking at improvements in this area. We need to enhance facilities in Tendring."

Mr Dale said a landowner was prepared to give the land provided he could operate a car park.

Harry Shearing, portfolio holder for technical and contract services, said meetings had been staged with Network Rail which wanted a station at Thorrington as did the council.

"But they do not want to pay for it. A four-carriage station would cost in the region of £3million and it would cost £4million for signalling."

Published Wednesday, December 11, 2002

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