The £100,000 set aside for the feasibility study on the possibility of re-instating the Bourne End to High Wycombe railway line is an appalling waste of public money to satisfy something which presently may be just a ‘nice idea’.

When that stretch of line closed in 1970, it was not as a result of the Beeching Report as stated, but because of the dramatic decrease in use of both freight and passenger services due to the closure of several large local businesses and the increased popularity of private car ownership.

I don’t see what has changed in the last 46 years to reverse that trend. Before launching straight into a costly study we should first seek public opinion as to how much use would be made of the service if it were to become a reality. If there is sufficient interest, a competition could then be held to invite ideas and suggestions for a best solution.

In the unlikely event that the study reveals a positive outcome, it will not be possible to use the same route as before due to the numerous developments that have been put in place.

In addition, at least two stations, four bridges and possibly two dangerously placed level crossings would need to be rebuilt at great cost to accommodate the old route.

This study money can surely be better utilised elsewhere rather than just to satisfy the curiosity of a small minority of people.

John Gurney, lecturer on the history of local railways