BRAMLEY Line chairman Peter Downs has resigned after four years as the driving force behind the campaign to open a heritage railway in Fenland. Mr Downs resigned at an emergency general meeting saying a new chairman may have more success moving the projec

BRAMLEY Line chairman Peter Downs has resigned after four years as the driving force behind the campaign to open a heritage railway in Fenland.

Mr Downs resigned at an emergency general meeting saying a new chairman may have more success moving the project forward.

The Wisbech & March Bramley Line Group's goal is to reinstate the nine-mile line between the two towns.

After the meeting Mr Downs said: "I am not running away, I will still be involved but I feel it is time for me to take a back seat. I knew when I first started it was not going to be a five minute job and maybe a change at the top will move the project forward faster."

He admitted he was disappointed at the lack of financial support from Fenland businesses. He said: "I am disappointed that they cannot see what I can see and all the benefits it would bring to the area."

New chairman of the group is Brian Bayliss, the previous vice-chairman.

Mr Bayliss said: "I have made a promise to the members that I will do all I can to ensure this doesn't hit the buffers. Like many people I want to see trains running to and from Wisbech again. I am looking not only for financial support but also for more members.

He said those who have already responded to the appeal for £100 donations would be refunded if the project did fail.

The Bramley Line committee have received a copy of a draft 99 year lease from Network Rail to study. The group has five ex-Gatwick Express coaches which it intends to use on the line.

Mr Bayliss said: "Once we get the line open we have a loco promised for hauling these. So come on folks, let's get the trains running again.