Nationalisation good or bad ? (ex cheerful 2015 thread)

I couldn't agree more

 

Aye, just a different accent.

 

This has recently surfaced from an Internal Memorandum of May the 23rd, 1962.

"COMMITTEE FOR THE REVIEW OF UNECONOMIC BRANCH LINES AND STATIONS

“Referring to the notes of the meeting held at Waterloo on 10th May, the item in respect of the Somerset & Dorset line should be amended to read as follows:

The Western Region are taking the initiative in preparing a joint submission to the respective Area Boards concerned, also to the Transport Users Consultative Committee, and the Line Manager, South Western Division, hopes very soon to submit a draft report in respect of the Southern Region portion to the Western Region. This recommends complete withdrawal of the passenger train service between Templecombe and Broadstone Junction and closure of the line between Templecombe (exclusive) and Blandford Forum (exclusive); the portion Blandford Forum (inclusive)/ Broadstone junction to be retained (single track only) and worked as a siding for freight traffic only. Arrangements would have to be made for inter-regional trains on Saturdays during the summer, to be diverted via alternative routes.

As from 10th September next, at the request of the London Midland region in connection with their electrification proposals, the “Pines Express” will be diverted via Basingstoke”"

It would thus appear that the SR were wanting to close the southern half of the S&D before the Beeching Report. The WR has long been made a scape-goat over the closure of the S&D...

Very Best Wishes,
Bob.