No grounds for reinstating the Hunstanton line

Although it was wrong to close it, I do not believe that there is even the remotest probability of the line from King’s Lynn to Hunstanton being reinstated ( RAIL 849).

The original alignment was along relatively flat land, but has had extensive building developments blocking it.

The alternative routes suggested have very steep gradients (the suggested site for Hunstanton station is on the top of a hill), and would require new level crossings if this route on the east side of the A149 is followed. This eastern route would also pass through the Sandringham estate, so I suppose it could be called ‘Elizabeth Line II’.

Hunstanton needs a lot more than a railway to revive it as an attractive town.

Sea views have been lost due to the erection of huge retirement apartment blocks, with more on the way. The High Street has not recovered from the loss of Woolworths, and has just also lost a bank. The only shops left in the High Street that I would consider to be an asset are the excellent bakeries and the Hunstanton Models shop.

There are some very good visitor attractions such as the beach, Sea Life Centre and the Princess Theatre, but with local councils who are more concerned with statues and monuments than encouraging trade, I am not hopeful.

The area is well served by Lynx Bus, with four buses an hour through the villages between Hunstanton and Lynn, with some also serving the Queen Elizabeth Hospital directly at its dedicated bus stop on the complex.

The bulk of off-peak travel is by pensioners using their bus passes for free travel. Are they going to walk to a remote station and then pay to travel?

Heacham is not “a blockage to be avoided”. It is a large village with a population of potential passengers. The villages of Dersingham, Ingoldisthorpe and Snettisham would not use one station shared between them. Again, the bus wins, or people will use their cars.

Although the reinstatement of the Wisbech line should be relatively easy (except to Network Rail), the rebuilding of the Hunstanton line is as likely as Hunstanton getting a new pier.

Mervyn Partin, Heacham