News

American reader, John Williams wrote offering to 'become involved' after the Hawkinge Gazette published a letter from Dana Wiffen who wants to save the Harbour Station.

Mr Wiffen who believes the site has the potential to boost the local economy,  is hoping to secure the line and station from network rail.

He wrote to the Gazette saying: "Without this we cannot move forward with all our other plans. It is hoped that once secured we could have a cafe up and running and this would enable more revenue to be generated and then we would work towards opening the line for short trips, which would then raise further monies and our profile."

The Harbour railway station is an area of historic importance and The Remembrance Line Association Ltd has been formed to fight plans which could destroy the site.

Steam trains still occasionally use the line which has been closed to regular passenger trains since the ferries ceased some years ago.

Plans proposed by The Remembrance Line Association include the rebuilding of the station together with a WW1 and WW2 Museum with the possibility of passenger ferries resuming for trips to WW1 & WW2 battlefields and museums in Europe.

Mr Wiffen said: "As a heritage railway enthusiast I travel the country visiting other such railways and find that no matter what size they are they all contribute to the local economy."

He hopes that if local politicians take this on board they will realise what potential  The Remembrance Line Association plans would have for Folkestone and the surrounding areas.

The Association campaign is trying to win political and public support to preserve the line, station and harbour area before it is destroyed, Mr Wiffen explained.

"Once it has gone it will be too late!" he said.

Editor's message : Please email us if you would like to help and we will forward replies to Mr Wiffen