Political Support

Graham Watson  MEP, January 2009

"The re-opening of the Strawberry Line to the general public is a fantastic idea, and I give it my full support. The old railway lines are an important part of our shared heritage and their conversion for use by walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and equestrians is a wonderfully innovative way to preserve this.

The natural beauty of our area is an important asset to our communities, and we should be proud to promote it to visitors. By re-opening stretches of the Strawberry Line we do this, and consequently encourage prosperity in the surrounding areas.

I know a number of friends have already walked parts of the Strawberry Line and, on their recommendation, I look forward to doing so myself sometime in the future.

Graham Watson is the Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar. Graham is also the leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament. The ALDE Group is the largest third force ever in the 28 year history of the European Parliament.

 

Roger Knapman MEP, January 2009

"I strongly supports the idea of re-opening the old railway line. He feels the permanent closure of many lines was a mistake, even if some mothballing was necessary at the time. He believes many old lines will re-open in the future and will play an important role in a more varied transport structure".

 

David Heathcoat-Amory MP, May 2008

"Good idea bringing disused railway lines into such use"

 

David Heathcoat-Amory MP, Jan 2009

"I walk along many of these disused railway lines in the constituency and some years ago I suggested reopening some of them for cyclists etc."

 

Liam Fox MP

Is an active supporter of the Strawberry Line and is Patron of the Strawbery Line Cafe project

 

David Cameron, Jan 2009

"I am writing on behalf of David Cameron to thank you for your e-mail.
 
We are grateful to you for getting in touch about the Strawberry Line campaign. I am afraid that David Cameron is unable to involve himself personally in your campaign, owing to the sheer volume of requests he receives. We would normally suggest that you contact local Members of Parliament, but on this occasion we see that David Heathcoat-Amory and Liam Fox are already involved.   
 
Thank you, once again, for taking the trouble to write."
 
Yours sincerely,
Lara Moreno Perez
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

 

Boris Johnson, Feb 2009

"Thank you for your email of 20 January regarding The Strawberry Line campaign to establish "safe paths for all" along the railway track from Clevedon to Cranmore. The Mayor has asked me to respond on his behalf.

The Mayor is hugely supportive of any efforts to get people walking and cycling more . . . given his position as Mayor of London. I note that local Members of Parliament have already offered their support and wish you the best of luck taking this project forward.

Thank you again for writing".

Yours sincerely,

Victoria Hills
For Boris Johnson, Mayor of London