I WAS delighted to read the article on possible rail developments in the Oxford area (May 13), especially the branch line to Cowley.

I would remind your readers that this is something myself and my other group members have been calling for, for some time.

It would be my hope that the branch line would be electrified along with any other improvements, otherwise for both passengers and freight we shall be running diesels under the wires, which environmentally is not desirable.

I would also point out that the section of line between Oxford and Didcot is believed to be about the busiest section of double track in Western Europe and elsewhere would have been four tracked many years ago.

It is essential but must be treated with sensitivity because it has the potential to be very disruptive, especially in the Radley and Culham areas.

Cllr BOB JOHNSTON
Lib Dem, Kennington and Radley
Kennington Road
Kennington