Dorset County Council in their draft report - "The West Dorset Heritage Coast, Today and Tomorrow (1996)" describes Tourism as one of the area's principal industries, but road traffic congestion is highlighted. Managed access to the coast and hinterland with the aims of conservation and public enjoyment are recurring themes.
The Countryside Commission together with the Rural Development Commission and others in their report "Sustainable Rural Tourism, Opportunities for Local Action (1995)", outlines approaches to tourism that can be maintained in the long-term without degrading the environment in which it takes place. The report analyses 21 successful projects and states more time has been spent on the (transport) issue than any other. In nine of the projects rail travel was either fundamental to or important in their success.
The Government Office for the South West in their report "Transport: The way ahead, South West Debate (1996)" states that policy should include "lower growth in travel by car", "an environmentally-efficient system". "Bus and rail services are capable of developing and attracting new markets and passengers." The signatories to the report state "this must be the start of change ... rather than debate".
The Brit Valley Railway will be part of that process of change - to a safer, more environmentally friendly transport system into the beautiful West Dorset Countryside. Tourism will be our growth industry. Let us sustain and manage that growth responsibly for this and future generations. The Brit Valley Railway will be in the right place at the right time.
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