A REPORT has said there is a strong economic case for reinstating the Varsity Line between Oxford and Cambridge. The line was closed in 1967 after pressure from the Government and lack of use.

Put together by the East West Rail Consortium, the report shows that reopening the line could bring economic benefits to Oxfordshire.

Bob Menzies, chairman of the East West Rail central ssection steering group, said: “Now that the Western Section between Oxford, Bedford and Milton Keynes is going ahead, we are working to develop the business case for the central section to complete the missing link.

“There is significant economic growth potential that could be unlocked through new rail services and the Government is providing funds to undertake the next vital phase of feasibility work to identify a preferred route.”

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone's contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.


Our top stories