A COMMUNITY has welcomed plans for a railway stop that could 'bring the life' back to Chalvey.

Slough Borough Council has launched a consultation with residents for a single platform stop between the back of Slough and Eton CofE Business and Enterprise College, in Ragstone Road, and the Southern Electric depot.

The Chalvey Halt would be placed on the line between Slough and Windsor. The stop would be unmanned, with automated ticket machines.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal, said the stop would 'make it easier for residents to access rail travel' - without having to drive to central Slough.

He said: "This is the first stage in assessing if a halt station is deliverable. A station could make a substantial contribution to lifting the Chalvey neighbourhood and I hope residents will respond positively to the consultation."

Consultation started on Monday, with researchers carrying out door-to-door surveys, and will run for four weeks. Questionnaires can also be completed online at www.slough.gov.uk Businessman Ashiq Abdeali, owner of Alexandra Plaza, in Chalvey Road West, said: "Any attempt to bring some activity and improve and enhance the area can only be good, because the one-way system has turned Chalvey into a ghost town.

"While it is good, the community need to know the consultations are a farce - the decision is pre-determined."

The railway line last had a stop in Chalvey in 1929 - although it was closed a year later after opening.

Barry Hodkinson, chairman of Slough and Windsor Railway Society, added: "Our initial reaction was that it seems a good idea. It would save people time commuting to work - they wouldn't have to drive to Slough - and would take traffic away from the area."

Windsor Councillor George Bathurst, who has submitted plans for a railway line - the Windsor Rail Link - to join Slough to Heathrow, via Windsor and Staines, said the stop would not impact his plans, adding: "I'm pleased Slough Borough Council is considering some of our ideas."

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