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Work to clean up disused Folkestone Harbour railway line set to start February 2019

12:54, 23 January 2019

updated: 12:55, 23 January 2019

Months of work to bring a derelict railway track back into use is set to start in the coming weeks.

Network Rail have announced today that it begin to clear the line of the northern section of the disused Folkestone Harbour line at the beginning of February.

The Great Britain infrastructure manager also added that talks are also underway with 'local stakeholders' about potential uses for it within the community.

The Harbour Line along Tram Road, Folkestone, pictured five years ago. Picture: Gary Browne FM3059472
The Harbour Line along Tram Road, Folkestone, pictured five years ago. Picture: Gary Browne FM3059472

The work in the Tram Road area will carry on until April, when most of the old track, sleepers and lineside equipment will be removed and overgrown vegetation and litter cleared along the the route.

However, some of the old track will be left in place purposefully as part of future development of the area.

Railway equipment at the rail road and the footpath crossings at Folly Road will also be removed and the crossings converted to a public highway and public footpath.

The disused Harbour Line in Folkestone. Credit: Network Rail (6737535)
The disused Harbour Line in Folkestone. Credit: Network Rail (6737535)

Mark Ellerby, project sponsor, Network Rail South East route, said: "While the station section of the line is now a vibrant hub with shops, cafes, homes and cycle paths, the northern section has become overgrown and blighted by flytipping.

"The work we are doing now to clear the line is a key step towards making the old line a community asset for the enjoyment of local people and visitors.

"It will ultimately be up to future owners to determine the exact use, but we have deliberately opted to leave some of the old track in place to allow this to be a feature of any future scheme."

The disused Harbour Line in Folkestone. Credit: Network Rail (6737538)
The disused Harbour Line in Folkestone. Credit: Network Rail (6737538)

A final decision on its future will be made this summer.

Enquiries about about the old line and potential future uses can be directed to CRSouthEast@networkrail.co.uk

What would you like to see the track turned into? Email us at folkestoneexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

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