High price for a station

Soham station is being built on a flat site with good access. It is to have one four-coach platform, 50 parking spaces, lights, a shelter and public address system. Projected cost £18.6 million.

Horden Station in County Durham has been completed for less than £9m with two four-coach platforms, a more compliant footbridge with stairs and ramps, and 100 parking spaces. Twice the station for half the price.

Other railway comparisons include: Conan Bridge, near Inverness - £600,000 for a single platform eight years ago; and the temporary Workington North, with two platforms, a bridge with full disabled ramps and a car park, for £500,000.

Away from the railway, what might a road haulier pay for a loading ramp, or a house builder charge to bring a large bungalow to ground floor level?

Ian Brown, Wellingborough