Recent coverage in the Gloucestershire Echo concerning possible reopening of the 'abandoned' Honeybourne Line stem from an aspirational possibility expressed by a third party in an appendix to Network Rail's Rail Utilisation Strategy (RUS). 

The Cheltenham-based daily described potential for the 'disused Cheltenham to Stratford railway', with a subsequent response from GWSR Plc (on Monday 15th March), extensively quoting Malcolm Temple, chairman of GWR Plc who said the proposals have little solid foundation.  

Darren Fairly, projects director of GWSR Plc explains that the railway was consulted by Network Rail on the RUS when it was being put forward some time ago.  "This only considered reopening of the Honeybourne to Stratford section but our discussions led to Network Rail offering passive provision for the railway to gain access to Honeybourne station.  This will allow our trains to interchange with services on the upgraded Worcester-Oxford line. 

"Our line, south of Honeybourne, was not included in the RUS, which covers rail development opportunities up to 2019.  However, the document has an appendix listing 'aspriational possibilities' submitted by third parties for the long-term future.  This is where the Honeybourne Line, along with a number of long-abandoned routes, is listed." 

A Network Rail spokesperson told the Gloucestershire Echo that there are 'no solid proposals for re-opening of the (Honeybourne Line) and supporters of the idea would have to produce a strong business plan to have any chance of succeeding.'  

Malcolm Temple adds: "There's little threat to our business which continues to go from strength to strength and our sights are firmly set on Broadway and beyond." 

Historical note

Past proposals for re-incorporation of the route into the national network have been made by bodies including the now-disbanded Strategic Rail Authority and the think-tank Transport Britain but were not taken any further.  GWSR Plc has also discussed with the local authority and Chamber of Commerce the possibility of using the former trackbed south of Cheltenham Racecourse for a link between the railway and the town. The route was officially closed by British Railways in 1979.