Rail-link homeowners get improved offer

THE company behind the revised proposal to build a freight rail link through the Chilterns has told residents it will buy their homes for the full market price if they don't want to stay.

The new improved deal for those living along the track was put forward by Central Railway this week to head off objections to its latest bid to build a 400-mile electrified line between Liverpool and Lille in Northern France.

The new railway would take 1,000 container lorries a day off the road.

Central Railway's development director Robert Raffety said the price offered for properties affected by the line would be based on today's market value.

If house prices went up, compensation would reflect this, but if prices fell, the current offer would hold, he said.

He also promised a restricted service at night and noise barriers along the track to muffle the sound of the 150 mph trains.

Residents who were against the scheme last time say they are waiting to hear the full details of the new proposal before reacting.

Chartered surveyor William Ricketts, who represented more than 100 families during the last campaign, forecast that the new plan would hit the buffers.

"The latest proposals don't suggest anything radically different from the old proposals and at this stage I can't see the current government going ahead with this project," he said.

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