As part of our 2026 survey, 798 residents and station users provided written testimonies about what closing the existing Waterbeach railway station would mean for them.
Their accounts describe the importance of the station for commuting, education, family life, independence and access to essential services. They also reveal concerns about increased car dependency, longer journeys and the particular difficulties facing people who cannot drive.
These are the words of the people who use the station and would be affected by its closure.
The testimonies are reproduced from Appendix B of our evidence report, with respondents' age groups and stated views where available. They represent personal experiences and expectations, rather than a statistically representative sample of the wider population.
Respondent 7 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Given the forecast massive increase in population of greater Waterbeach, two railway stations will be needed to cope with the many new commuters and other rail users in future years.
The existing station platforms were doubled in length in 2020 at a cost of £7 million. The improved station is a valuable asset that was used in 370,000 rail journeys in 2025. The estimated cost of demolishing and removing our station is an additional £2 million. The £7 million was our tax payer money and it should not be written off in an unnecessary closure. The annual cost of running the existing station is £136,000 - set this against the proposed demolition cost of £2 million, we could run our station for nearly 15 years.
GCP has not seriously looked at the options of two railway stations, they have taken a very short term view of the station project.
Respondent 8 (Age: 60-74; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
We must look to the future, so we need both stations.
The design of the new station should be a well thought out.
For all WEATHERS and passengers.
Good facilities LOOs.
If you expect customers to buy coffee. …… there is a consequence to this . If trains are cancelled or delayed!!!
SPEND PROPERLY now so generations to come will actually THANK US for having good foresight rather than saying the opposite!!!
In any discussion so far I have little faith in the plans and honest decision making.
Respondent 11 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Short sighted to remove a well functioning useful station
Respondent 13 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
The proposed new location is a very long way from the existing village and is inconvenient to get to. I'd expect that I'd no longer use the station for short journeys to Ely or Cambridge and would always drive instead.
Respondent 14 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The distance for majority of villagers and possible weather conditions will put so many people off using new station. I’ll never let my daughter walk that far so will end up having to drive to pick her up causing unnecessary journeys, not just for me but for 100’s of other families. Waterbeach station is perfect where it is now. If a new station is needed then have 2 stations every other big city I visit have multiple options.if you want people to use public transport give them plenty of choices not take one away
Respondent 15 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The current Waterbeach train station should not close as it has been there over 150 years and served the residents with transport. Waterbeach will be big enough for 2 train stations.
Respondent 17 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Why should our waterbeach village station close for the sake of the new waterbeach Town one! We purchased our house because of the proximity to the station. With out it our house values will decrease. Im eye sight is fading so will need to use the train more and more. For the sake of adding 2 mins more to commuters from King's Lynn I really really feel waterbeach village station needs to stay open
Respondent 20 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
No need to be closed
Respondent 21 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
The new Station is to far out of the village for older people if you come back late its such a long walk to get home. Why should everything go up to the new village.this is Waterbeach village with a community spirit not move everything miles away.
Respondent 21 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
The new Station is to far out of the village for older people if you come back late its such a long walk to get home. Why should everything go up to the new village.this is Waterbeach village with a community spirit not move everything miles away.
Respondent 22 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Complete waste of money to have new station when the old one is adequate. Totally inconveniencing the current village residents. How quickly are the new houses selling???? Too expensive.
Respondent 23 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It should remain open and be called Waterbeach Village. Money was spent to extend it. It is used by the residents living near this end of Waterbeach Village. If you can have 3 Stations possibly 4 in Cambridge within a shirt distance of each other I can't see the reason to close it. It will not cost any more to keep it open. Possibly about 30 seconds in time. Please think about it and keep it open. Thank you
Respondent 24 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
Having 2 stations open is not a problem. Would result in 60 seconds longer on the journey. It would help people in both ends of the village.
Respondent 25 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Two Stations for Waterbeach — Not Relocation
I strongly object to the proposal to close Waterbeach’s existing railway station when the new Waterbeach New Town station becomes operational.
I am not opposed to the new station. With up to 11,000 new homes planned for Waterbeach over the next 20 years, I fully understand the need for additional transport infrastructure and a station capable of serving the new development. The proposed new station should be built.
But building a new station should not mean taking away the station that already serves the existing village.
The proposal should be changed from relocation to retention:
Waterbeach needs two stations — not one relocated station.
The proposed new station will be approximately 1.5 miles from the existing village station. The Waterbeach Community Association has highlighted that this will make the railway significantly less convenient for many existing village residents, my household included.
Closing the existing station risks creating a very real divide between the historic village and the new town.
The old village should not become an afterthought simply because a much larger development is being built alongside it.
If the existing station is closed, many people who currently walk or cycle to their local station will instead face a significantly longer journey. That particularly matters to older residents, people with mobility difficulties, families, and anyone who does not have access to a car.
It also undermines the very principle behind the investment in sustainable transport.
We are being told that Waterbeach needs better public transport, more walking and cycling, and greater use of sustainable travel. The Greater Cambridge Partnership itself describes the Waterbeach transport programme as a means of helping people travel sustainably. (Greater Cambridge Partnership)
So why would we deliberately remove an existing, established railway station from the community?
The two stations would serve two different communities.
The new station can provide the major transport hub needed for Waterbeach New Town, connecting with the planned busway, cycling infrastructure and other facilities.
The existing station can continue to serve the established village.
This is not an either/or situation.
The new town needs its station. The old village needs its station too.
With Waterbeach’s population expected to grow substantially, it makes little sense to plan for a much larger community while simultaneously reducing the number of railway stations available to residents.
Indeed, the Waterbeach Community Association reports that both the Fen Line Users Association and Railfuture East Anglia support retaining the existing village station alongside the new station. (Waterbeach Community Association)
Don’t cut the old village off.
My greatest concern is that relocating the station, alongside the wider infrastructure required for the new town, risks physically and socially separating the existing village from the new development.
Waterbeach should become one connected community, not an old village and a new town divided by infrastructure and distance.
Keeping both stations would help achieve that.
It would provide more choice, improve resilience, support walking and cycling, reduce dependence on cars and give both existing and future residents a genuinely local railway service.
We should be planning for the future — not removing existing infrastructure.
The new station is currently described by the Greater Cambridge Partnership as a £40 million investment. (Greater Cambridge Partnership)
Having made that investment, I believe we should be asking how we can maximise the benefit of both stations rather than spending money to replace one with another.
Waterbeach is growing enormously. The answer to growth should be more sustainable transport capacity, not the removal of an existing
Respondent 27 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The proposed closure would have a significant negative impact on my ability to travel for work and a corresponding increase in my car usage.
Respondent 29 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I consider the proposed move to be a significant waste of taxpayer funds (to the extent that we are funding this). The train station has been established in the current location for over 130 years, where it has remained open because it is convenient, and therefore used. Removal of this benefit and relocation to the new town will be detrimental to the village.
Respondent 30 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
If waterbeach station closes and I need to get to the new station, instead of a 10 minute walk I will need to take my car out onto the A10, park at the car park, which I will need to pay for and then drive back again on my return. As I age, this will be increasingly difficult and as I often am back late in the evening a bus service may not be available
Respondent 33 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
The current station is fast to access with luggage and bikes because of the ramps. The new station has a bridge so will be difficult to use with luggage or a folding bike (yes there's supposed to be a lift but lifts are very slow!)
I'd rather just go to the existing station even though it's further away.
My wife would rather cycle all the way into Cambridge than have to take her bike over the bridge at Cambridge or Cambridge North because it's such a pain.
Respondent 34 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
South Cambridge and North Cambridge exist without closing Cambridge, why should this be treated any differently.
Respondent 35 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
My primary objections are:
- closing the current station will lead to more car traffic through the village by people who drive to the current station from outside of Waterbeach which is positioned on the outskirts of Waterbeach.
- people who live in Waterbeach Village near the current station and walk, will start driving to the new station, increasing traffic. People will minimise walking and cycling in bad weather. Buses will not be regular enough through the village to the new station.
Respondent 37 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The current station allows me to use public transport to get to work (Addenbrookes and the Francis crick in London) and many leisure trips, all with a simple bike connection or sometimes a car drop off. This is particularly important to me in the winter months when the traffic on the journey to Addenbrookes is appalling. The new station is too far away to be convenient and Cambridge north is difficult to get to by road, especially with morning traffic. I would be left with no choice but to drive to work, contributing further to the terrible traffic congestion. Cambridge south has done a huge amount to improve public transport and reduce car traffic to Addenbrookes. We need more transport hubs that connect to it, not fewer. Please don’t take Waterbeach station away
Respondent 38 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much in favour)
The new station will be more centrally located for the overall town of waterbeach (including the new town). The station as-is is right in a corner of the village, and poorly accessible by car or foot (the road is narrow and parked up, the footpath is narrow to the extent you often have to step into the road - if possible - to pass other people. There is little need for two stations in such close proximity. Those of us at the far end of the village have been walking to the current station just fine for years, or got lifts.
Respondent 39 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
It is excluding people with disabilities. It is making a new place a priority and forgetting about the existing people of the village
Respondent 40 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I think it's important to have two stations available to serve both ends of the village. Not everyone has access to a car, and those with mobility issues will be affected.
Respondent 41 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I do not understand why this station has to close, they have had no issue adding a station North and South of Cambridge.
Respondent 42 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I think it’s absolutely awful that yet another service is being taken from Waterbeach for the benefit of developers at the expense of those that have lived in Waterbeach and used the station
Respondent 48 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
In its current location it takes me about 20 mins to walk to the station (I live at the northern edge of the village, among the furthest streets from the station). From what I can make out, it will probably take about the same time for me to get to the new station. So personally I wouldn’t gain or lose much if the station were to remain where it is, or if the two were to operate at the same time (is this feasible? I don’t know).
But I would not want to see Waterbeach become any more of a ‘park and ride’ for the railway station, with people driving into the village to access the station. There are enough cars driving around the village and parking badly as it is. Providing more car parking will add to the flood risk and add to the heat island effect.
We need to get more people out of their cars and make it easier for them to make choices that are better for their health and the environment. This all needs proper joined-up planning.
Respondent 49 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Whilst I think we will be closer to the new station. Having 2 stations will mean the rest of the village and commuters don't need to travel to the new station. I am very worried about cars parking and using Cody Road to access the new station. I think it ridiculous to close a fully working and recently updated existing station. If we want to encourage public transport keep 2 stations. The village and town is growing and with government growth agenda for Cambridge we can support two stations.
Respondent 50 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Closing it would sever a lifeline for the village. My understanding of the new development suggests very few residents live there compared to the village. Extending and improving the current station would be far more fiscally responsible.
Respondent 51 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
It would make my life and those around me an absolute misery. I would have to rely on friends and family to take me to places , because the new station is too far away to be convenient for someone who doesn’t drive. It would adversely affect my ability to get to work in Cambridge, Ely and Downham market, for which I am self employed so if I can’t get in them I simply will not have a job. Those places are too far away to get a lift to. And the new station is too far away to ask people to drop me off and pick me up when they themselves have very busy lives.
Respondent 53 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I believe the closure of Waterbeach Railway Station would greatly affect those that live in the village (not New Waterbeach.) Whilst a railway station closure to the new build homes would benefit those on that side of the village, everyone in the current Waterbeach would struggle. Buses aren’t always on time, which leaves those that don’t drive in a difficult position to travel outside of the village. I personally think having both railway stations wouldn’t negatively affect both Waterbeach and the New Waterbeach. However, closing the current station poses many negative affects and difficulty for the villagers.
Respondent 54 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much in favour)
The current position is not fit for purpose, it is so dangerous for pedestrians. Cars speed along the road so crossing isn't easy plus paths are so narrow people have to walk on the road. Whitmore Way is used as a taxi rank by everybody at all times of day people are being picked up or dropped off, it can be chaos at peak times.
Respondent 55 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It seems Waterbeach village facilities are being sacrificed in favour of New Waterbeach without any consultation with the current residence.
Respondent 58 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The new station is not in such a convenient position for those of us living in the original village. The new station will be too far to walk to.
Respondent 62 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Please don't do it, it's a lifeline for my non-driving partner and very handy for my and my son to travel into Cambridge or Waterbeach. Please reconsider.
Respondent 64 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The proposal to close the existing Waterbeach station to accommodate the opening of another which only benefits the new development is preposterous and the entirely discriminating against those that use the existing daily.
Respondent 65 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I would like to see the old station kept open
Because the new one will be twice as far away
Respondent 66 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The new station is in a very remote location and i am not looking forward to walking on dimly lit quiet roads paths to get home. The existing station is in the heart of the village on the main road surrounded by houses, shops and pubs.
Respondent 68 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
They should both be kept open, its not fair to disadvantage the current village residents in favour of a new development that doesn't even have people living there yet. There should be a station for each place as there are for various villages (Foxton and Shepreth). Closure of Waterbeach station will massively increase road traffic.
Respondent 69 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
Not clear on whether the proposal states whether the old Waterbeach station will open after the closure in Summer 2028. Regardless, if it needs to be closed due to essential works for the new station, a replacement bus should be ran in Summer 2028, to replace the lack of trains, either to cambridge or cambridge North (or Ely for the opposite side of the track), so those that require trains for the airport for example, are not compromised through driving to cambridge north and paying for parking for the time they are away.
There are no problems to walk to the current waterbeach train station right now. Some people stating the new waterbeach station is too far away for waterbeach village is wrong. As someone who will be close to the new station, I walk to the current station now and it takes 20 mins max. For those with wheelchairs, the old waterbeach station does not have wheelchair access (well it does and it doesn't. There is not a member of the train company situated to put out the ramp on the train, therefore I have one disabled friend who goes to Cambridge north for this reason). Therefore if we are wanting to make the new station accessible, the pavements should be renovated to a state that accessibility is taken to account. Currently pavements along Coby Road isn't fit for wheelchair accessibility. Therefore, there is no problem to "move" the station, but appropriate transport whilst the station is closed in summer 2028 should be taken into account, especially to those who use the trains for work everyday, and those who use the trains for getting to the London airports.
Respondent 72 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I think it would be a tragedy to close the villages station for the local people who use it regularly. Money recently spent extending the platforms would be wasted money. I think we should have both stations to pick up and drop off closer to people's homes in the village and the new town.
Respondent 74 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
If the closure of the existing station has improved operational and safety justifications, then it should go ahead. The new station will be closer for the majority of current Waterbeach village residents, so I see no problem closing the old station.
Respondent 76 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
I understand the frustrations of those who live close to the old station - i would be annoyed too. But when i moved house i did so on the new plans so i am in support of the new station and cannot see how there is any justification for a village /town of this size, even with the new developments for two stations. Train journeys to london have already got longer with other new stations on the line - now frequwntly well over an hour during commuting times.
Access is important though. I live close to the new station site and one thing i find frustrating at the moment us the lack of a direct route to the current station. A straight cycle/footpath along the railway from the current station to the newest station would help cut journey times for people living on the east of the village get to the station without having to go to the green and back again.
Respondent 77 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Why not retain old waterbeach, and if the new one is built then it can act as an additional stop on slower journeys. We should not bow down to the pressure out on local and national government due to developers and looking for money from them.
Respondent 78 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Whilst I mainly cycle when travelling to Cambridge, the train is useful when this is not practical. If the station moves, I will still use the train for long journeys but the bus for all travel to Cambridge.
Respondent 79 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
It would be extremely inconvenient. Part of the reason we moved to Waterbeach was so we could easily access Cambridge and London for work easily via the train station. The train station moving further away will make it much more difficult to travel to work, and will require us to drive much more, which is not ideal for us. The bus system in waterbeach is currently not reliable enough for us to use for work.
Respondent 82 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Moving the station will mean using my car rather than walking as it's too far from my house. We brought our house in the village due to the current station location.
Respondent 83 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Hoping common sense will prevail and that both new and current Waterbeach stations will be open and trains stopping at both until at least the development is finished…then we can see!!
Respondent 84 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Reducing station capacity by closing Waterbeach Station at a time of intense population growth in the area is completely misguided. The increased road travel that will be required for those using the current station to get to a different one will only increased the significant road traffic problems the area has. This seems like a decision purely based on cutting costs as opposed to keeping the infrastructure needed for a growing population in this area.
Respondent 86 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
If the existing station closes, I will be forced to use my car for travel, adding congestion to roads.
Respondent 87 (Age: Not stated; View: Somewhat opposed)
The New Station should not be opened until RLWE have started building houses. Nothing worse than a train station in a boggy field
The current station should be kept open even if the number of trains is greatly reduced
Respondent 88 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
The main issue really is the train reliability, they took often delayed or cancelled, and expensive for this. We would also use the train more often if there were direct trains to Stansted Airport (currently there are from Ely and Cambridge North but they don't stop in WB). If the new station alone will increase the trains stopping there, and improve reliability, then I'm 100% in favour of closing the old one.
Respondent 89 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Keep both stations open
Respondent 90 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I personally would take the train significantly less if the original station were to close - the only time I would plan to use the new one is for work in London, which unfortunately cant be compromised.
Other than that, I’d find other ways to get into Cambridge for social events/weekends etc - either driving or the bus. Very much against the closure of the current site which is perfectly usable and closer to the original village residents….
Respondent 91 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of this very well-used station is an unfathomable proposition at a time when using public transport is being encouraged. It will undoubtedly increase car use (it will for me). Aside from this, the new station does not have comparable facilities to our current station. The closure must be prevented.
Respondent 92 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
A new station is totally unnecessary and very expensive. One can't help wondering if your organisation is just inventing a need when non has been requested by the community to keep your jobs and make money for individuals. We should be decreasing the use of natural resources to prevent climate change and this scheme will use more and damage the environment totally unnecessarily.
Respondent 93 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Unnecessary to move. Cody Road is not designed for a high volume of traffic and the road is often in a poor condition. Cody Road is also the main route for primary children walking to school. There are enough speeding cars on there already without adding people late for trains.
Respondent 94 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I know of people who bought a house in the village with a view of travelling to London on a daily basis. Advert for the house stating 5 min walk to the station. And there not the only ones.
Respondent 96 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It will massively impact the existing village & resident s which rely on the station for work e.g. Addenbrookes & education. The proposed station move is purely a benefit to the developers of Waterbeach new town to sell thier over priced & poor quality built homes. It’s a money grab, with no thought for the residents of the real Waterbeach.
Respondent 97 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Do not agree. There is no need to fix something that is not broken. If it needs to move why is it not 12 carriage platform to serve a small town ?
Respondent 98 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It’s ridiculous to close the stations as it massively negatively affects all the residents of the old Waterbeach village
Respondent 100 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The new station is too far to walk for me and public transport doesnt exist to get me there or back if later at night.
Respondent 101 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The new station is a long way from most of the original village, too far to walk and will put many current users off and back into cars. There needs to be some service to the existing station even if a little less frequent. For example, going to london and returning later in the evening, i would have a 2+ mile walk and no public transport
Respondent 102 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Many people that live in the original. Waterbeach and Landbeach and not only the elderly would prefere that the station is kept open
Respondent 103 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The distance between the current station and the new station is not dissimilar to similar gaps between stations in other towns and there are currently no adequate cycle routes in the village from the south of the village to the north of the village. There is no reason for all trains to stop at both stations and the Cambridge-Kings Cross line already has some fast non-stopping services and some slower non-stopping services.
Respondent 104 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Please, please do not close Waterbeach station. It has served our village for 200 years. It allowed me to travel to sixth form in Cambridge for 2 years, to university in London for 3 years, and now to work at Addenbrookes 5 days a week, every week, for the past year. My family and I rely on the train station. My mother uses the station to travel to London 5 days a week, every week. It would change our lives significantly for the worse if the station closed. The proposed new station would ultimately be a huge mistake. Our village needs our station. Please, please do not close Waterbeach train station.
Respondent 106 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I cannot understand why we can’t just have another station open in the new town but keep Waterbeach open as so many people use it and depend on it. Why not have Waterbeach Village stay open while creating New Waterbeach as an additional station? Homes will also devalue in the area close to the station and commuters will not be happy either as they rely on its proximity. Please don’t close our station!!!
Respondent 109 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Leave it were it is.
Respondent 110 (Age: 75 or older; View: Somewhat opposed)
The new station will be much closer to me than the current one. Depending on the parking facilitis, I would therefore use it in preference to the current station and might use it for some other journeys (e.g. to Ely).
Respondent 111 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Why can't the development have their own station!!
Respondent 112 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much opposed)
I am about to start at my new school near Cambridge South, so the train station moving further away is not helpful
Respondent 113 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I really don’t want this station to be closed, it is in the heart of the old part of the village, and used by MANY people, it allows children to get to school, college, etc, and adults to get to work. Not to mention families using the train station, to visit places for leisure activities to save money going by car.
It takes quite a while to walk from this part of Waterbeach to the new proposed station. Lots of people will be highly disappointed if this station closes. I personally think it is a must have this side of the “village”
Respondent 114 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The new Waterbeach station would be significantly more inconvenient to travel to, either by car or bike such that I would not use it. I would be more likely to travel to cambridge north of forego rail travel entirely and drive
Respondent 115 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach railway station is convenient to use and easy to get to and is part of historic Waterbeach
Respondent 118 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
What is the genuine point of accomodating to the 5 people who live in the new builds
Respondent 120 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach station is essential for my commute to Addenbrookes, where I work and receive treatment
Respondent 122 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Keep old station open to be used alongside new station
Respondent 124 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The current station has only in recent years had the platforms extended, what a waste of our money it would be to close it now. Why can’t there be 2 stations, alternating trains. Ridiculous that the developer was originally meant To pay for the new station, and yet now we are paying for it and they still get to build as many new houses.
Respondent 125 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
You should keep both open as the old station has served the traditional village well, it is not fair for them to have to travel and do without
Respondent 127 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Robbing residents of their Station in favour of new residents is diabolical
Some of us bought our property because of the proximity of the station. Those that work in Cambridge and use Addenbrookes for treatment and don't drive or don't want to drive for sustainable reasons are being penalised
Respondent 129 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Would affect my ability to access retirement activities
Respondent 130 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
This is all awful prospect. It will cripple my ability to get to Ely and London regularly, and make getting to the airport much more difficult as I don't drive.
Respondent 131 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
This would inconvenience me as well as most people in the village especially as I will be using the station to get to college every day and I would not be able to conveniently get to the proposed station.
Respondent 132 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
This will be the worst decision ever to close our station. If the new one is built, why can’t the trains stop alternately there and at our station. Hardly any of those houses are sold so it doesn’t warrant a station, let alone closing the one that is very well used by so many people.
Respondent 133 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
If the current station closes my lifeline will be cut off as I don’t drive & most of my family live away, it will seriously impact on my life as a widow
Respondent 134 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Please don’t close the station, it’s in such a useful place and surely having both will ensure continuity and revenue. Also take pressure off the new station as those outside of Waterbeach are likely to carry on using the old station.
Respondent 135 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
Would need good regular bus a service between new station and waterbeach
Respondent 136 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Please don’t close this the Waterbeach station. So many people rely on it in the Waterbeach village. I live right next to it. Whilst it’s quite loud I can enjoy the perks of walking on to the station, it’s the main reason I bought my house. You would be taking a vital resource from people in the village to put it some where out of the way that’s not easy to get to. It will affect my house price and it will add increase to my cost in living as I will have to drive more into Cambridge. Please do not close the station. Why can’t they’re be a Waterbeach north/ south situation?
Respondent 137 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much in favour)
The closure of the current Waterbeach Station will dramatically reduce the amount of commuters cars that are parked in Lode Avenue, Station Road, St Andrews Hill, Rosemary Road, Way Lane, Greenside and the High Street which can only benefit the village. Before retirement I regularly used the Station and we found at least 80% of our fellow commuters were from outside of the village from as far away as Swavesey, Sutton, Milton, Burwell, etc. and the vast majority street parked around the village rather than pay to use the Station car park. They drove to Waterbeach as there is no free parking at the main line stations of Cambridge and Ely. The closure of the Station could well also stop some of the anti social behaviour in the village!
Respondent 138 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach station in current position is vital to connectivity of village. Please find way to preserve this asset
Respondent 139 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
It is disgraceful that the station is going to be moved to service new homes which hardly anyone wants to or can afford to live in. People have used Waterbeach as a commuter village into Cambridge for decades, we have built lives here based on that, and for it to be taken away to service the new town is unacceptable.
We have 3 stations in Cambridge alone, give us Waterbeach north and Waterbeach south.
Respondent 140 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I think it should stay open a lot of people use it Who won’t travel to the new station as it is too far away to reach conveniently. Eg Horningsea and Waterbeach residents , school children
Respondent 141 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The move of the station has completely ignored the needs of existing residents
Respondent 143 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
What waste
Respondent 145 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
We need to be very careful of NIMBYism which has led to many of the real challenges this country faces, including our housing shortage and current drought.
Respondent 146 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The station should remain open, there is no reason not to have two stations, no different to Cambridge North, Cambridge and Cambridge south.
Respondent 147 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
This is an essential station that serves the existing community
Respondent 148 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach village and Horningsea need this station to be kept.
Respondent 150 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I would drive to Cambridge and park if it closed. No meed to close it Waterbeach people can walk to it or get the bus now
Respondent 152 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Moving the station is a mistake. It will instantly de value all the homes in the area and mean that all of the homes near to the station owned by commuters will be sold . The commuters will move closer to the new station or out of the village entirely. We know this survey is a waste of time as big money speaks and drowns our small voices. It will be another nail in the coffin of waterbeach village.
Respondent 153 (Age: 75 or older; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Need to understand the developers commitment to a village shuttle service from the new station to the village
Respondent 155 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Closing our village railway station seems to be a spiteful act. This is not the time to close railway stations! We need more railway stations - not less.
Respondent 156 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I specifically chose to live in Waterbeach in a property close to the station. The new station will be too far to walk to from here (approx 30 minutes) as I get older. Driving to the station and parking or using my car more generally will be significant added costs on a pension. When I give up driving due to age, I had intended to be able to rely totally on the train.
Bus routes come and go. For the first 8 years that I lived here there was not a bus that I could use to get into Cambridge. Currently there are 2 bus routes, but I am not optimistic about that continuing long term.
For me personally, moving the station is a catastrophe and I am very upset about it.
Respondent 157 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
If you look at the current building in Waterbeach new town, it is the longest possible distance to the proposed station.
Respondent 158 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Moving the station is not convenient for people in the village that use it, why should we be forced to go to the new one, when both could be used. The trains stop at Cambridge North then go to Cambridge which is probably not a lot of difference in distance, so why cant it be done here.
Respondent 159 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
One of the reasons we moved to waterbeach was for the station. The new town doesn't provide a house that would suit our needs.
Respondent 161 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I am 34 years old and have never had a car. I deliberately bought a house next to the train station. Moving the station, and not creating a path along the tracks to the new station, will mean me taking the train for work and social will no longer be best and I will have to buy a car.
Respondent 162 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Many of us moved into the village because of the access to a mainline railway station. We are continually being penalised for having the new town built directly adjoining us.
Respondent 163 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The new development does not consider the needs of the existing village
Respondent 164 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I moved to waterbeach to be near a station, now the new station will be moved to a 35 min walk away, at 6.30am in winter months when it is very dark i will not be able to do that, i will now have travel by car to work This move has not considered the local residents very dissapointing.
Respondent 165 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Closure of the station is going to make my regular commute to Cambridge / London more difficult and increase journey time due to having to get to the new station. Closure of the station will also make it more difficult for my children to get to Cambridge sixth forms in the future.
Respondent 166 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The new train station is a waste of public funds. In addition it shall create community divide and impact community relations.
Respondent 167 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
With new homes being built around after the new station maybe in 2030 the station will feel very unsafe for my 2 children to travel into Cambridge from, please keep both stations
Respondent 168 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
We need easy walking route from Waterbeach village and secure cycle storage for those that cycle.
Respondent 170 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat opposed)
Are we really expecting trains to stop at Cambridge North, the current Waterbeach station, and the new Waterbeach station? As much as I don’t want the station to move at all, I cannot imagine any trains stopping regularly in Waterbeach at both stations
Respondent 171 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much opposed)
It would take me a long time to get to the new station.
Respondent 172 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I will be using my car for work if the station closes
Respondent 173 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
As I mainly travel down to Cambridge or London I am unlikely to go back wards to start the journey. If the existing station closes it will definitely mean significantly more car use in our household.
Respondent 174 (Age: 18-29; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
New station must be built first!
Respondent 175 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
as a disabled person Iwould not be able to get to the new station
Respondent 177 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Closing the current station is ridiculous. It was extended a few years back and serves the village well. The proposal to close it and not keep it in addition to the new station is not taking the views of current residents at all and will in many occasions make it very difficult for people to travel by train. Adding an extra 30 seconds/1 minute to a journey will make no difference as the trains are delayed most of the time anyway so not a detrimental impact. Most people have chosen when they live in the village due to the proximity to the station as well and closing it will be completely selfish to the whole village. it is an important asset to keep! Plus paying to decommission it seems like a waste of money and the land will become a dump!
Respondent 179 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much opposed)
I don’t want to have to walk or bike to the new railway station as my house is really far away from were it could be 😠
Respondent 181 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Travelling from the new station will be significantly less convenient for me than from the present station, especially when travelling with luggage or musical instruments.
Respondent 182 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The cost alone of this planned relocation should be the paramount consideration. I find it incredulous that an existing and well used facility should have closure just to make a new housing development more attractive to prospective buyers. I also find it unbelievable that the developers (as far as I'm aware) have pulled funding for it and the onus is now on the county council /Greater Cambridge Partnership which means using public funding for a private concern. With the financial times that we are currently experiencing, it is beyond comprehension that this should even be a debate. The closure should be IMMEDIATELY suspended and IF a new stain is to be constructed then anyone but the public should pay for it.
Respondent 183 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It is insane that a developer can forcibly close an existing station. The naming of their development as "waterbeach" has meant this closure being framed as a "move". That's just a con trick: they have no jurisdiction over another settlements station
Respondent 184 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Keeping both stations WILL end up with higher fares for passengers, the focus should be on ensuring that doesn't happen rather than keeping both stations.
Respondent 185 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
The current station in Waterbeach Village is an essential service for local residents who have relied on it for years. It will be a dreadful decision to close it, especially as older residents rely on the convenience of having a station close to hand, without having to get alternative transport to use the train, which will extend and complicate their journey. There is no reason why there cannot be two stations, the platform has already been extended, the money spent, so why take that facility for villagers away just for the new Town???
Respondent 186 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
No new station should be built
Respondent 187 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I would not be opposed to the closure if I was satisfied with both the plans to make the new station equally accessible to village residents, and satisfied that the plans will be delivered and maintained long term. I am currently utterly unsatisfied with both.
Respondent 188 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It’s an utter modern day travesty closing a long serving travel facility to local Waterbeach residents. Diverting traffic through, across and unnecessarily causing heavy traffic and congestion in a village. Common sense should be to keep current station open, just have another stop for new Waterbeach. Very very simple.
Respondent 189 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The volume of traffic generated with the existing village plus new constructions half the size of Ely will justify the maintenance of two stations locally.
Respondent 190 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
At a time when we should be cutting car travel and encouraging public transport, the proposed closure is madness and in direct opposition to cutting fossil fuel emissions which are adding to catastrophic climate change. This is a well used station. Apparently keeping it open will add a mere 2 minutes extra travel time. I may be at the upper end of the age scale but I have no doubt that closing the current station will deter people of all ages/fitness from rail travel and they will increase their car use. Waterbeach New Town residents will benefit from a new station but why should existing passengers suffer and be made to travel much further, in all likelihood by car??? I urge the Greater Cambridge Partnership to see sense, do the right thing and KEEP IT OPEN.
Respondent 191 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
There was no need to waste tax payers money on a new station.
A simple upgrade of the old station would have been sufficient.
Respondent 192 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The new station will be too far away and the total volume of passengers should justify having two local stations.
Respondent 194 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Why can the existing station remain open? Even if it not used for every train at least some could stop at the new and existing stations. Why is it any different to Cambridge North Cambridge South and Cambridge??
Respondent 195 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Question 5 is poorly worded/designed. It cannot convey the complications caused by the closure of the existing station and boil this down to a number of intended journeys.
The closure proposal is wholly unacceptable on the following grounds: time, disability access, increased car journeys, employment, education, pollution, noise, and cost grounds. The Station is not being moved, it is being closed - this wording should be adopted and insisted upon to third parties such as the GCP. Workers are not going to walk one and a half miles in the opposite direction to get a train to Cambridge or London. Car journeys across the village will exponentially increase in contravention of local plans to reduce car use, pollution and pedestrian/cyclist collisions.
Thousands of residents and employees are in opposition as are local Councillors, the MP, and GTR. Millions of pounds of public money was spent upgrading the station and it should be retained. GTR journey planning staff have the expertise and willingness to plan a new timetable for both stations.
Respondent 200 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The relocation of the train station means I will not use it.
Respondent 201 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I think Waterbeach station should remain, fine have a new station to serve the new community, but don’t take away our village facilities to serve new people coming to the village
Respondent 205 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It is my understanding that the walk from a new station to the old village will take much longer than is the case now. In my opinion this is inherently unsafe, particularly for females. Also car access to a new station from the old village seems to be difficult and it appears parking will be limited.
Respondent 206 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
They should keep both to serve both parts of the village. Waterbeach recently went through an expensive upgrade extending the platforms - don’t waste the money by shutting it
Respondent 208 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Why should we, as a long term resident and user of the station, no longer have easily access to rail travel. Especially as I’m getting older and May in the future no longer be able to drive.
Respondent 210 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
It is a disgrace that they are planning to close the existing station purely for profit.
Respondent 213 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Closing this station greatly impacts the day to day lives of thousands of people, in a negative way. If adding a stop to Cambridge South was simple, then adding a waterbeach stop should be also.
Respondent 215 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
We live in Station Road quite near the Station. This could be one more facility that the village will lose to the new development. The Station is an important part of our village heritage which is suffering enough thru Parish Council impotency, they have the funds, but lack the know how to spend it to give the village community activities a boost.
Respondent 216 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
We would use Cambridge North rather than the new station, but we would generally drive there, increasing traffic on the A10 and through the village
Respondent 217 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
A bit bonkers
Respondent 218 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Until recently, I commuted by rail every day for 7 years. Had the current station closed during this time it would have had a significant impact on my journey time due to a very extended walk and inevitably I would have used the car more.
The closure will inconvenience a great number of current users without any benefits. The station should remain open until the number of passengers using the new station is equitable to those using the old.
Respondent 219 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
For our household, personally, we are not so much impacted because the new station will be closer, but we support those who are not so lucky.
Respondent 221 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I think closing the current station is a stupid idea
Respondent 223 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
We moved to Waterbeach only recently, so were aware when it closed that the train station might move, and therefore chose our house accordingly. But it seems very unfair to all the people who live really near the current station. All the infrastructure has already been built for the existing railway station - I think it would be a good thing for both stations to exist.
Respondent 224 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Keeping the existing station even with a reduced service would help to keep more cars off the road.
Respondent 226 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
pleas keep the current station which serves the community very well, pleas can we train this strain and open the other for new town
Respondent 228 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
As someone registered severely sight impaired, who commutes to London for work, the closure of the station would be extremely limiting for me. With no bus service going directly to any of the Cambridge stations (North, central or South), closing the station would increase my commute by an hour each way.
Respondent 229 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I would favour the proposal to keep the current station and the new station, possibly alternating which the trains stop at in order to avoid adding to journey times. Given the number of new homes, one would anticipate additional trains being needed, meaning that it should be possible to still have two trains stop every hour under the alternating stoppage plan.
Respondent 230 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I resent strongly the fact that the developers originally agreed to pay for the move of the station, only for them to renege on their agreement and insist that the local taxpayers to pay for this.
The Councillors who agreed to this spineless response should be ashamed of themselves, and should have insisted that the developers pay.
This is very typical behaviour of developers. Promise everything, then build just houses for huge profit and renege on the services.
I am assuming the same will happen in Waterbeach new town over, shops, schools health facilities promised by the developers.
Respondent 231 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
One of the reasons we moved to Waterbeach was because of the train station. To have it closed because some new houses (that are currently unlived in or unbuilt ) are now there is totally unfair to the current users of the station. It will cause more traffic - as people will either not use the new station or have to drive to it and park which goes against current thoughts to try and stop people using cars. Waterbeach has a large number of its population who use the station regularly - but won’t do so if it moves - putting more cars back on the road. A GCP vanity project costing the tax payer vast sums of money for something that doesn’t need to happen..
Respondent 234 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I don’t understand why the existing train station can’t remain open and operative when the new station opens. The new one is too far for me to walk to benefit catching the train. If Cambridge north, Cambridge and Cambridge south can all operate without affecting the other stations then I can’t see why there cannot be two in waterbeach which would benefit the new housing development and the existing users of waterbeach train station
Respondent 235 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
The walking route to the new station is long and potentially unsafe in the evenings and early mornings. I worry my bike would be stolen from the station bike parking.
Respondent 236 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
I don’t want to leave my bike at the station in case it gets stolen
Respondent 237 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I would feel nervous walking along poorly lit footpaths to get to the station and late in the evening or early mornings. I would be more likely to use my car to go to the station or another location to catch the train, or just drive. I worry about bike theft at the stations at present.
Respondent 239 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
While it's convenient for me to have the station remain open, I cannot see a business case for the funding of 2 stations.
Respondent 240 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Please don’t close the current station. The current station should continue to exist, even if each train only stops at one Waterbeach station and they alternate between the two (e.g. one train per hour stops at the current station, one train per hour stops at the new station).
Respondent 241 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I am pretty sure I have seen bats around the old station.
Respondent 242 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
My retired parents use it alot when visiting once a month and use it to visit cambridge and Ely with my children during the holidays.
Respondent 243 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
We travel to Waterbeach station from Ely by train to go for a walk along the river from Clayhithe to Milton about twice a month. We will not be able to do this if the existing station closes and that would be a great shame as this is one of our favourite walks
Respondent 245 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Robbing the good people of Waterbeach of their railway station should be an illegal act.
All to raise the value of the shabbily built and grotesque new development.
Whose pocket had to be lined for this to go ahead?
Stealing people's ability to get about and simultaneously decimating their property value.
You should be ashamed.
Respondent 248 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Closing Waterbeach station will encourage more car use - resulting in more air and noise pollution, contributing to climate change, and lessening an active lifestyle for many.
Respondent 249 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Easy cycle & walking access to the new station from the old station is critical. Otherwise I will be forced to substitute a cycle journey with a car journey.
Secondly a major advantage of the current station is easy parking - it’s not too expensive, and a short walk from the car park to the station. This should be replicated, rather than punishing station users for a move they didn’t want with higher priced car charges.
Respondent 250 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Moving the station would increase my journeys there/back by a mile in each direction. Given that I walk, that’s a substantial change. I moved to Waterbeach because it was somewhere where I could live without a car.
Moving the station seems like a cynical attempt to transfer value from the houses of the people who already live in the village to those which are being built in the new development.
Closing Waterbeach Station will increase traffic congestion in Waterbeach (e.g. on Station Road, where the flow is constricted by parked cars) because the people who currently drive to Waterbeach Station from the south (e.g. in Horningsea) will need to drive through Waterbeach to reach the new station.
Respondent 251 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
The expected lack of replacement alternative public travel options is the primary impact of the station closure
Respondent 252 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I do not understand why the new station will be opened when fewer people currently live in the new town than the village. It seems ridiculous to make a whole village travel to a station where so few people live at the moment.
Respondent 254 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I feel I will no longer be able to walk freely to the station. It’s a much longer walk to serve a “new town” that has hardly any occupants at the expense of a village.
Respondent 255 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I'm not against the opening of a new station, we need to improve sustainable public transport for all. The closure of Waterbeach station does not support this goal as it takes away vital connectivity for existing residents who cannot walk or drive to the proposed new station. I personally cannot walk there (and am not prepared to pay for parking in top of my season ticket), and I travel into Cambridge almost daily during the week so need to find an alternative which will likely involve driving (at least to the P&R) and adding to congestion on an already overloaded A10. Not all are lucky enough to have access to a car! I moved to Waterbeach close to the station specifically for its station access which I rely on! I strongly believe in continuous improvement to transport, accessibility and sustainability for all, and the closing of the existing station is a disgraceful suggestion that is a step backwards in all areas, at an extortionate cost that I as the taxpayer am expected to pay for. I would be extremely angry, disappointed, and feel cheated if it closes.
Respondent 257 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I see no reason why both waterbeach railway stations cannot operate, just like thre are 3 for Cambridge now. Not every train needs to stop at both
Respondent 258 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Removing the station from easy walking distance for me severely limits my ability to use it.
I’d personally prefer to have 2 stations in the village
Respondent 260 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I am completely against the closure of the existing train station in waterbeach and moving it ,i will not ne using the new station and would probably sell my property and move to a new village
Respondent 261 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I’m quite concerned that proposed changes will be a penalty for users of the existing station and will likely be underused by the community that is being pandered to.
Respondent 262 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
We will plan on moving out of Waterbeach if this train station gets moved
Respondent 263 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It is necessary to leave the station where it is for the benefit of everyone in the area. Travelling to the Barracks is not viable as it is in the wrong direction.
Respondent 264 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
We have always opposed the total closure of the station. Access to the train was a contributing factor in buying our home and has been constantly used by the family for access to Education, Work, Addenbrookes, holidays, seeing family and friends
We are of a mature age, cycling in all weather and with the poor state of the roads is not a safe option, there is a limit on what you can carry on a cycle too. It is not safe on the streets to walk in the late evening to return home from the new station. The access down Cody Rd will be a nightmare.
I feel it is disgraceful that this resource should be taken from the often long term residents of Waterbeach. There must be some compromise. We are told to use public transport and not the car for environmental reasons, but the potential loss of the station doesn’t support this. This has been raised and opposed at every consultation
Respondent 267 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach is an historical station and a way to commute for many… the train will still passing by the same spot, I don’t understand the reason of closing it and make travel difficult for all of us. YOU ARE NOT THINKING OF THE PEOPLE
Respondent 268 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
We should be encouraging train travel, and the closure of any stations at a time when populations are increasing seems counter productive. Its more expensive to re-open a station than to keep it ooen.
The station has recently undergone development including an expensive extension of platforms.
Why not keep it open 5- 10 years and monitor its use before deciding to close it?
The safety concerns are nonsense, there have been no accidental deaths.
It would be better to close the road and keep the station open, than close the station and increase traffic.
Respondent 269 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I feel very strongly that the current Waterbeach station SHOULD NOT BE CLOSED. If a new station is to be built fine, but keep the current station open please
Respondent 270 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It would be useful to stop at both stations for our household.
Respondent 271 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I feel the REAL village is being let down massively with a new development, which is NOT Waterbeach, being given priority! This is wholly wrong and creates huge inconvenience to many who rely on and moved to the village because they need the station, in the village not 2.4km away. The consideration of moving the station alone is completely unacceptable!
Respondent 272 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
How are people from the old village expected to get to the new station if they want to use the train ?
Respondent 273 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The closure would make life extremely difficult for myself, my family and a lot of people
Respondent 275 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Very bad idea, catering only to those in the new development, not to current residents of waterbeach. Keep the current station open as well if you must open a new one.
Respondent 276 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Does not make sense to close it when it already serves a purpose to the local community of old Waterbeach. It would just increase car usage. The extra stop would not have a detrimental effect to the train journey so why close a functional station.
Respondent 277 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
No point in closing. Will mean I will just have to use my car for traveling in and out of Cambridge
Respondent 278 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat in favour)
Current station is at the end of a small, road that is obstructed by parked cars. This road cannot cope with increased station traffic. The current station has no facilities, toilets, cofffee bar amd limited shelter. There is a nimby attitude in the village to change, many is the village will be closer to the new station. I feel villagers should be pushing for better facilities not wasting time on trying to oppose this or keep both stations open, which is very unlikely to happen.
Respondent 279 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
My main worry is whether the new station will actually be operational by the time the old one is decommissioned.
Respondent 284 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
Parking is essential and currently Waterbeach station is easy to use. I may have to go to Addenbrookes regularly so will need to park at station so am opposed to relocation if adequate parking is not available. Also there will be more traffic on A10 to get to it and possible hold ups.
Respondent 285 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The increase in car transport will be huge. There will also be a significant decrease in the value of our properties. I expect my health to deteriorate as I will no longer walk to the station, nor will I be able to use the train to commute one way to town and run back home.
Respondent 286 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach station has, for so many years, been an asset to Waterbeach. Many people moved here, to properties near to the station, for easy access to Ely, Cambridge and London, myself included. Whilst I don't use the train so regularly these days, I am totally opposed to the station's possible closure simply to serve a new development, totally ignoring the needs of the people who live in the village of Waterbeach, so many of whom walk or cycle to the station.
Respondent 288 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The current station is very crowded and well-used, and I believe there is capacity and a need for both current and new WB stations to co-exist. The current station after all serves people from Horningsea and Landbeach as well, the new station would be useful for people from Chittering and Stretham.
Respondent 289 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
The station is currently well located where it is and moving it only creates redundant buildings leftover from the current station and is a complete waste of money.
Respondent 291 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I have some mobility issues however I am able to manage to walk to the present station. The new station is much too far away, ans I will have to resort to driving to the station, or more likely, not use the new station at all.
Respondent 292 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I strongly oppose the proposed new Waterbeach railway station. It risks bringing significant disruption, increased traffic, congestion and pressure on already stretched local infrastructure.
The station could encourage further housing development, putting additional pressure on roads, schools, healthcare, parking and other services. It could also attract commuters from surrounding areas, increasing traffic rather than reducing it.
There are also concerns about the cost of such a major project, particularly if public money could instead be spent improving existing roads, bus services and the wider rail network.
Waterbeach is already facing substantial development. We should improve infrastructure for the community that exists now before creating further incentives for growth.
Respondent 294 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
While this survey is a good start may I surgest a referendum of the permanent residence of Cambridge. This could be achieved by leaflet drops
Respondent 295 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It will be far more convenient for me in its current location. Could we not have two stations? The growth in the residential area is set to increase with all the new properties. I would be reluctant to travel any further to use the station. I am a solo traveller and would not feel secure walking a further distance particularly in darker periods or nighttime. Therefore I would be compelled to use the car and park this would be extremely inconvenient for my budget and may push rail travel out of my reach financially. My age also is increasing and the distance will be a problem if the station moves location.
Respondent 300 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The proposed new station location is in the opposite direction to my place of work in Cambridge and will add 2km to my journey to work. If the new Waterbeach greenway opens before the new station then I would use that to cycle into work rather than getting on the train during the winter months.
Respondent 301 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I use the station to London for my heart condition and the train has been a life saver for my Mum especially when I was younger as my mum couldn't drive. Build another stop don't remove our station. Waterbeach village has always been here and removing what we have always had is beyond reproach.
Respondent 302 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I am exceptionally angry about these proposals. Any politician who does anything but completely oppose these plans will be blacklisted, permanently. I will actively support, both financially and with my own time, whichever candidate most likely to unseat any politician who fails to oppose these plans. Further more, I would like to see the relationship between the developers of Fake Waterbeach and the GCP investigated for any impropriety.
Respondent 303 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
There is a big campaign in the last decades to "go green" and get us off cars. This means to help people and have easy access to travel. In this case, this will be taken from most people leaving in Waterbeach. My monthly cost will raise a lot (due to petrol cost) and my health is deteriorating. Closing the main station in Waterbeach is disrespect to our village and people. I DO NOT AGREE with this and I AM TOTALLY OPPOSED to this VERY BAD decision.
Respondent 305 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
It would fairly negatively affect my access to public transport
Respondent 306 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Before I retired I would use the station at least twice a week to go to London & therefore know how important it is to one’s work. We were told by the developers of the new town that there would be no impact on the village & yet this would severely impact on those who rely on the train for their livelihoods.
Respondent 308 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat opposed)
Just keep both railways, it really isn't that much of a distance. I'm fairly sure you could even do switching between the stations every second train
Respondent 310 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Please re-consider not closing the station, as it's been a lifeline for people like me who can't drive, and need some independence.
Respondent 312 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I use the current station as I have a friend living very close to it, where I park my car on her property then have a short walk to the station
Respondent 313 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The existing waterbeach station is an ideal location for the residents of Horningsea
Respondent 314 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
While I am in favour of the Waterbeach development, it should not be at the expense of the existing village and community. Closing the station that many of us depend on, and in my case, chose to make Waterbeach my home for, is very simply unreasonable. If there must me a new station it should be in addition to the one that has served this community for >100 years
Respondent 315 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I moved to Waterbeach 28 years ago precisely so that I could walk to the station to use the train to get to work in Cambridge/London. I need to be smart for work. If Waterbeach station closes I shall be forced to drive to the nearest station further clogging up the already congested A10. Removing current provision for public transport north of Cambridge increases inequality between north and south, and directly goes against policies designed to reduce use of cars. Please do not close our station!!!!!!
Respondent 316 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The new station may be convenient for the new settlement but not much of current Waterbeach and the villages like Horningsea. Please leave it alone.
Respondent 317 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
From Horningsea the proposed new location means that we have to drive through the village which will be a painful journey.
Respondent 319 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
At the moment have use of a car but if this stopped I would use the train more. The new station would be too far for me to walk there.
Respondent 321 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It is very unfair to move a service away from loyal customers who have been using it for years. Moving the station will make it difficult for the original village users to access just to satisfy the needs of the new town. Even more so as when this was originally spoken about it was going to be financed by the developers. Surprise, surprise the poor old developers don’t have any money and now it’s going to be financed by government money. The whole thing stinks!
Respondent 322 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I certainly do not have objections to change , but we cannot lose our station , we are loosing our identity as it is with the New Town . There are so many people I know that walk to the existing station but would be far to far to the proposed one .
Respondent 323 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I don’t think there’s been a satisfactory answer for why the current unmanned Waterbeach station can’t run alongside the new one. There are plenty of stations this close or closer together in existence. It will cause more traffic through the village regardless of what the developers say.
Respondent 324 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It doesn't make any sense to close the station. It's incredibly hard and expensive to build new railway infrastructure but it's being proposed to close a station that is used by over 300000 passengers a year.
Respondent 328 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
1: Invest in walking and cycling paths on the east side of Waterbeach to improve the accessibility of the existing station from the Cody Road area.
2: The road and pedestrian infrastructure around the area of the proposed new station would need to be improved if the station was moved. I haven't seen this additional cost discussed, and I highly doubt they the developers will be willing to pay.
Respondent 329 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Not happy at all, the current station is in a much better location when it is moved it will be unusable for me in the village. I would really like to keep the current station as well
Respondent 331 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Don’t suck the life out of the village!
Respondent 332 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
This will make my commute to work more difficult and increase my likelihood of being driven to the station or using the A10 to travel to Cambridge. This will lead to further congestion on local roads. This does not fit in with the idea of increasing public transport provision. I have lived in the village for 26 years. Please keep our station open!
Respondent 334 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Given the ongoing environmental factors, in particular the summer we have just experienced, it appears in contrast to the governments environmental aims to be reducing potential opportunities for public transport. In reality people will just drive to the new station or not bother using it at all and drive more. There are many other train stations within the southeast where the distance between them is less than 2.4 km, as such the argument proposed that the new Waterbeach station would be too close to the existing one is baseless. There is also notable usage of the train for people coming to events and venues in Waterbeach village, the closure would have a knock on effect on that too.
Respondent 335 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
You’re building the new station for the new houses. Waterbeach village was here first and no thought has been given to those who now have to travel to the new site. You can’t sell the new houses and only just extended the old station platform at a cost you are now throwing good money down the drain. Who ever thought the idea up at a cost of 36m is beyond believe.
Respondent 336 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
If there was a shorter route back to the south of the village from the new station that would be good. Issue with leaving bikes etc .( Lots stolen at Cambridge North and Cambridge) Harder to walk with suitcases to visit family in London.
Respondent 337 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I feel we need two stations. We are a growing village/town and the parking facilities at the new station will not be sufficient. Also the A10 is a nightmare and v congested and it will add time to my very easy journey. As an older person I cannot see myself using the new station and walking or cycling in the winter months will not be possible. A promised shuttle bus between the old village and the new town will not last and at the moment the bus service is more expensive than the train so why would I use it. And the journey into town is far longer. Please keep the old station even if less trips are available. That will still be better.
Respondent 338 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
We travel to Waterbeach from Horsham to visit our daughter and family who live near the existing station. The walk to and from the proposed new station would make visits difficult with suit cases. My wife and I are both in our 70's. Cambridge has 3 stations so why can't Waterbeach have 2?
Respondent 340 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
For me and my family it would be very bad. I would end up driving myself to Cambridge instead of taking the train. Going to London I would have to use a car to go to the station and increase pollution. It’s a complete waste of money when the station is functioning fine as it is. Nobody wants to live in the new houses anyway
Respondent 341 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
What is the honest reason for the oh so expensive move ? If as I expect to “sell” houses , I’m afraid you have got it wrong as the houses are NOT selling and the “new” station location is NOT near to them. !! If as I think you will “carry on” why can both new and old stations work in tandem ? Eg trains “take it in turns” to stop at both ? 1-3-5-7-9 ect at existing and 2-4-6-8-10 ect at new station …. Can’t be that difficult to plan and organise . (Can it ? )
Respondent 342 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
It would detrimental to the village, increase driving into Cambridge and create significant amounts of traffic. Given that the current station is walkable for the existing village and the new station would not be, the needs of the village would sacrificed for the new town which village members did not want to start with. Why should waterbeach village lose out because a new town is being built next door. The existing and new station can vo exisit
Respondent 343 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I am very opposed to the closure of the station. We use the station quite a lot now and believe we will use it more so as we get older. Our usage has increased steadily over the last decade. I feel strongly that we should not lose this facility to make way for a new station in a new development.
Respondent 346 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It is only an 8 minute walk from me. The new proposed station would be approx 40 minutes walk
Respondent 347 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
If the station closes it will significantly reduce my use of rail, and will significantly increase my car use.
Respondent 348 (Age: 60-74; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
The questionnaire is badly worded, focusing on station closure. There will continue to be a Waterbeach Station (relocated further north) it is the original Waterbeach Village Station that will close. I see no practical, economic scenario where the operator will maintain two rural stations so close together.
Respondent 349 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Why not keep the existing station AND add the new one?
Respondent 350 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I purchased my house due to the locality of the station. I'm disappointed that the closure would impact my travel but also the value of my property.
Respondent 352 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of this station would be a step backwards for mobility of Waterbeach residents. Countless surveys and reports have been produced reflecting residents opposition to the plans for the station, challenges have been made to the GCP and all have been ignored
Respondent 354 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I will not be able to use the new railway station, it is too far to walk. Driving there defeats the object!!
Respondent 355 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It seems a waste of taxpayers money and a reduction in service where the house density will be highest for the next 10 years. Some services should always stop at Waterbeach station in the future
Respondent 356 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The station should stay open to service the south side of Waterbeach and adjoining villages/new development on Newmarket Road and life sciences laboratories. Makes no sense to close a well used station when the council are encouraging people to use public transport!
Respondent 357 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I bought my house in Waterbeach because of its proximity to the station. I use it for commuting to work. If it moves, it will make it much harder for me to get to work and affect my future employment opportunities. I know I’m not alone. The people of waterbeach don’t deserve to lose their station. The walk to the new station would be much longer and I would have to drive.
Respondent 358 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It feels strange to move a successful highly used station in a busy village to a site far away from housing where houses are not being built and may never be built. This is expensive, disruptive and will increase vehicle traffic. I will have to start driving etc. it makes no sense and deprives the village of a valued amenity.
Respondent 359 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I have no problem having a new station for those new homes being built, however closing the current station has huge disadvantages to waterbeach village and those who use it everyday.. it also is too far for my children to travel alone for school travel. This would be a huge mistake to close the station. More people would use cars that cannot travel to the new station. I very much hope this does not go ahead.
Respondent 360 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I think the proposed closure is discriminatory against the residents and in favour of the residents of the new Waterbeach. It's designed to encourage people to move to the new Waterbeach, serving the interests of the property developers.
Respondent 361 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I feel the closure is deceptive -- The requirement on developers is to add public transport so that the houses do not create additional road traffic. Displacing public transport creates more road traffic at the origin of the displacement. I feel that a case should be made that the developers are reneging on the conditions under which they have been granted planning permission.
I feel the developers have been deceptive in being required to build the new station but then not actually paying to do so and steamrollering the GCP into using council tax payers' money to build it.
The county council's support for this move violates their own policies on;
* "Passenger transport services on main radial corridors will be used for part or all of more
trips to Cambridge and to other key destinations. More people will walk and cycle to access these services." (TSCSC 3)
* "Improving opportunities for passengers to interchange conveniently between transport modes" (TSCSC p4-18)
* "Improving pedestrian access to the key interchanges along the transport corridors" (TSCSC p4-26)
The county council's support for this move ignoring the villagers violates their own stated position on;
* "Developing local transport solutions with communities" (TSCSC Webpage)
Given the poor rate of development of the new town, it is likely that a new station would be isolated and largely inaccessible with no actual local customer base for many years. If passenger numbers do decline radically, it is likely the station would "close by stealth" by having services reduced or removed by Network Rail since it would ease a time constraint on an extremely congested route. Waterbeach could well end up with no station at all; this outcome would waste £35M AND produce many more car journeys.
Respondent 363 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Closure of the station will mean that instead I drive to and from work as the distance to the new station is too far for me to walk from my house.
I am concerned about the extra traffic the closure of the station will create as many current users will need to use their car to either make their entire journey or get to the new station by car. The village roads and A10 are already at capacity and additional cars will surely result in more accidents, more pollution and more noise.
Moving the station will isolate elderly residents and those unable to walk the additional distance to the new station including the young and the disabled.
It feel unfair that the current residents of waterbeach village purchased houses and took jobs because of the proximity to the station are now being penalised due to the new town which none of us wanted to be built
Respondent 364 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of the original station would be a significant detriment to Waterbeach and the surrounding area. Closing the station would mean those who are able to walk or cycle currently would now be forced to drive to the new station
Respondent 365 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I cannot understand why you would close a perfectly working, local, convenient, accessible station and amenity. By all means build another one up the road, but keep this one open too. Why would you not have both. When local people have moved to be close by and make use of such a great facility, why on earth take it away. What a waste.
Respondent 366 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It feels like the village is having its station taken away. The new station site is only convenient for future households on the barracks site. The main beneficiaries are the property developers who had the gall to withdraw promised funds for the station relocation. We've lived in Waterbeach for 22 years but if/when the station moves, we'll probably leave. Easy transport links is one of the main reasons we settled here.
Respondent 367 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Part of my objection is that I expect the car park at the new station will be much more expensive to cover costs of the station , like the car park at Cambridge North, which is prohibitively expensive. If the car park becomes more expensive I may as well drive into Cambridge and incur the expense of parking there. If local government/council want to encourage people to use public transport then the cost of doing so should not be more than the cost of driving and parking.
Respondent 368 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Please please leave this station - add the new one as an alternative, but don’t take this away! It makes no sense and is so unfair to disadvantage people who live in Waterbeach village in favour of new residents, many of whom might well work from home rather than travel, or cycle. Having two stations is better environmentally, would increase the number of people using public transport, and parallels the situation in South Cambridgeshire with Foxton, Shepreth and Meldreth stations all being near each other and serving their communities as public transport should. Do the right thing!
Respondent 369 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
A shocking misuse of public money to bail out a wealthy property development company.
Respondent 370 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The closure will force more people from the village into their cars - either to get to the station or bypassing it entirely and joining the congested traffic into Cambridge instead.
Respondent 371 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It is a loss to waterbeach village ,and has been a valued asset for over 20,years.It leaves waterbeach village on the outside yet again.Its to far for many of us to the new station .
Respondent 372 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The destruction of this traditional station with good parking charges will have a detriment effect on the village and increase in my cost of living. It is short sighted to spend hundreds of of millions on a new station like the white elephant of Cambridge South for a development they can barely sell houses in, ultimately at the expense of existing residents!
Respondent 374 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
I would be more likely to use the new station if it was manned, since currently the station is inaccessible to wheelchair users and I have to go to Cambridge North.
Respondent 375 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Provision of a direct (straight line) walking route between the old and new station locations might make the proposed new station slightly more usable for me.
Respondent 377 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
As an older non car driver or cyclist my options will be very limited and the risk of becoming socially excluded will increase significantly.
We won't be the only people who moved here precisely because there is a station within walking distance.
If the current station is kept open albeit with fewer services there is a wider highways benefit as it would alleviate the volume of traffic fron the village and Horningsea that will go down Cody Road to drop off people there.
IF the closure is confirmed despite the public opinion against:
there needs to be reliable public transport into the existing village centre including in the evenings and at weekends; and
the terms of any opening needs to be renegotiated. Currently as I understand it, the station must be open before any new houses are occupied. If this means the existing station closes at the same time this is grossly unfair on the large number of people who use it and who would be expected to travel to a ghost station in the middle of nowhere (with the added likelihood of anti social behaviour in the immediate environs).
Respondent 378 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Closing the existing station would be extremely inconvenient and cause serious difficulties for many passengers. If a new station is reallys essential, the existing station should remain operational. Different train services could stop at the old and new stations, ensuring that both locations remain accessible.
Respondent 379 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
For me personally, this station is essential, particularly for travelling to Cambridge and Addenbrooke’s Hospital, particularly, with new South Cambridge station opened
Respondent 381 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Keep the station open or introduce a cycleway from the old station to the new one
Respondent 382 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Selling the future of the village to support private housing companies is criminal . I use the station regularly and this undermining of the local community is a disgrace
Respondent 383 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
If Waterbeach railway station closes I will probably move out of Waterbeach. I am an older person who regularly visits his family in the north of England. I cannot walk the additional distance to the new station and will not be able to leave my car in the car park there for long periods. The proposed bus service to the new station is not confirmed and may not be reliable. One of the reasons I chose to live in Waterbeach 30 years ago was the proximity of the station. It would be a defining moment for me if it closed.
Respondent 384 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Train station is very popular why close it when we can have both. If it closed I would need to drive to the new station and probably have to pay to park my car. Alot of my friends and neighbours came to live in Waterbeach as its easy access to Cambridge Ely especially London. They would be like me and drive to new station creating more traffic and congestion on the A10 because Waterbeach town and Waterbeach village are not linked. House prices in Waterbeach village would decline being less attractive to live here with no train station. Waterbeach villagers need their train station its been here over 180 years why change (mess up a perfectly good system)! ?.
Respondent 385 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
As an octogenarian I use my local Waterbeach Station for trips to London and further afield when going on holiday. To Addenbrookes for appointments. To Ely because there is no bus. I chose to live in Rosemary Rd because of easy access to rail transport. I do not drive. With advancing age I shall find difficulty in getting to the new station especially with luggage.
Respondent 386 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I am currently on maternity leave, but previously used Waterbeach station to commute from Horningsea to London. If the station closed, it would be much harder to do this
Respondent 390 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
i use the stations every day to go to college and to town on the weekends. it is so good for travel into london as well and the new location does not give me the access i need everyday for school
Respondent 391 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I live in Landbeach and the existing station is in walking distance from my house. The new one is not. It will be very difficult for lot's of people in Waterbeach and Landbeach the loss of the station. The existing station is heavily used, I see no reason to close it.
Respondent 392 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach station has been where it is now for years. It is a very useful asset for people like myself who live in Waterbeach, but work in London.
Moving the station to its new proposed location is (as far as I'm concerned) a bad idea. If the station closes and is moved I will have to use a car to get to the new station, this means going out onto the A10 and adding to the morning rush hour traffic.
A lot of people that work in London live in Waterbeach because of the close proximity to the station, and its direct rail link to London.
Why not have two stations? The existing one, and the new one for the residents of the new Waterbeach? This would be a lot less hassel for everyone concerned...
Respondent 393 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Thank you for the survey.
Respondent 396 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
New station is too far away from the village center to walk to so I'll drive to Cambridge North
Respondent 397 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Keep both stations open. Now there are two sections to Waterbeach / town & village. Two sets of needs . Why shun people to have to go further who perhaps will increase in car journeys rather than use the station which for them has suddenly become further away. Two stations for two distances, two sets of customers and indeed paying twice meaning an increase in profit !
Keep stations , you won't be disappointed.
Respondent 398 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It is very difficult for me to walk to the new station
Also my child going to sixth form on train every day and she has to walk further than now
Respondent 399 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
There is no reason to not have both stations if the new one must be built. Cambridge to Cambridge South shows this to be the case as the distance is in walk or cycle distance yet was opened so same can be done for Waterbeach
Respondent 400 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I believe the current Waterbeach station is sufficient. The new housing estate in which the new station is proposed, simply isn’t selling. This is an obvious plea to fund the money hungry developers and disregard the long standing members of Waterbeach village. Me and my partner moved to Waterbeach in Novemeber 2025, one of the key attractions was the close route to the station due to my commute into London to work. This not only effects my commute significantly it also takes away what is a fantastic perk of living in waterbeach village.
In my opinion, develop houses that are nice over there, and can actually sell then think about adding a new station. Right now, it’s a ghost town, building site which has no soul and a fraction of the people living there verses the waterbeach village.
Respondent 402 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat in favour)
The current station and parking are inadequate for the proposed increase in numbers. Presently, the village roads are unable to accommodate the numbers of rail users who park in the streets.
Respondent 403 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I like where the current station is because you walk through the village and amenities to get to it and home. I would want to keep it open, also for heritage.
Respondent 404 (Age: 18-29; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Looking at the map for the new station, I can’t clearly see how the new station will be closer, though I know it is. It really depends on what will be built around where I am now.
Respondent 405 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
Don’t close. Mostly people leave the Waterbeach after the closure of railway station
Respondent 406 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
The way this being advertised and written is misleading, has this been done on purpose?
Waterbeach station is either closing or moving, which is it? could we please clarify in future communications which it is. Will Waterbeach have a station or not?
Respondent 407 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
We cannot let the station close just so the new town have the station closer to them. Infact because of the 100 connect bus there is no need to close the current station as the 100 bus runs through the new town and stops at the, station.
I would fully support having both stations.
Respondent 408 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Why close a perfectly good station, with parking and a bus link from the new village, it's just a waste of tax payers money again!
Respondent 409 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The station has recently had huge investment with the platforms being extended to allow for 8 carriages. It seems bonkers to me to close it. If we have to have an expensive new station at the new town, I believe we should keep this station open as well.
Respondent 410 (Age: 18-29; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I am personally not opposed to the movement of the railway station as it changes the time I have to walk to be less than 5 mins more. However I think there is a lot of resentment in the village to the construction of the new town of Waterbeach, and I think a lot of care should be taken to ensure that this runs smoothly, for example some kind of compensation for those who have had their work commute significantly increased by this, and that the roads in the village can support both the construction traffic as well as the new traffic that will be created by this station.
Respondent 411 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
Stations are at the edges of both waterbeach towns people will need to walk to one or other as currently buses don’t service both and very patchy service
Respondent 413 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
To forcibly close and relocate the Station feels disrespectful to those who currently live in the village and possibly planned their choice of home location around proximity to the Station. Especially when the proposed new station site is to cater for people who, for the most part, don’t even live in the New Town yet.
Respondent 414 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I need this station, it provides me with a direct link to London Liv street and is easy for me to get to using public transit (buses) and walking.
My main reason for moving here was because of the potential to have two stations, some people may struggle if they are elderly or have mobility issues to reach the new station and transport should be accessible for everyone.
Waterbeach is developing, having an additional station will allow more people to use trains as a form of transport
Respondent 416 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
Fully supportive of new station, better parking and accessibility. More central to village. Village is expanding and rail station needs to adapt to this.
Respondent 417 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
I am concerned about how I will get to the new station. Will public transport be an option, will there be cycle paths to enable me to walk to it.
Respondent 418 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Moving the train station is a waste of tax payer money. It’s being moved away from the main area of the village (the village green, pubs, shops etc) where many people have purchased properties because it’s close to a station and utilise this asset. Many elderly and people who rely on the train also live in this part of the village. The new development is too far to service these people whose lives will be majorly impacted. The new development has hardly any houses occupied, the houses are not selling as they are overpriced, ugly and crammed in. Why move a train station to service the 100 or so people who live there at a huge cost? This money could be better spent elsewhere on improving the rail infrastructure to make the trains more reliable or improving the a10 to make it safer and prevent further RTCs and deaths. The main roads that will service the new station e.g Cody Road and Bannold Road are not fit for propose for heavy traffic flow and are also where many young families live. Hundreds of children walk to school and to nursery (little stars) along these roads, people already drive down them too fast and dangerously. That will only get worse and there will be a serious accident one day.
Respondent 421 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I strongly oppose the closure of the station. It deprives Waterbeach Village of a long held amenity forcing people to use their car when all emphasis is on sustainable transport.
Respondent 422 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
I think the new station will be closer / more convenient for us. I'm not opposed to keeping the existing station open but I imagine that it wouldn't be worth scheduling two stops in Waterbeach, and our travel time to Cambridge / London would be slightly quicker if it closes because there will not be an additional stop.
Respondent 423 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
I use the waterbeach railway station because the total trip time is similar to driving. Adding a walk or an extra car trip means I probably don't have enough time and so just driving to Cambridge instead is the most likely outcome. Driving and parking at the new station for the long distance trips is the most practical.
Respondent 426 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat in favour)
I am concerned about unnecessary costs of keeping old station open. But Also in favour of a more direct cycle/footpath from area of old station to new.
Respondent 427 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I would use train more if I could cycle to train station as it is a far walk but security and high risk of bike being stolen does not allow us too!!!!
Respondent 428 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I feel it's unfair to punish the residents of the original village for those on the new town. Why can't they come here? Total waste of money
Respondent 429 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
The new station is closer to me.
Respondent 430 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
The only good point would be less outsiders parking in the village to go to station but station easier if going to Addenbrooks or town or Ely for appointments
Respondent 431 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It would be cheaper to build a bigger car park the 100 bus service already services the railway station from the old military town , this would make the service more viable
Respondent 432 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Having been a resident of the village for 17years, the station is convenient for getting to London and for visiting family members arriving from the north. All consideration for the existing villagers seem to be ignored in favour of the new town ( which has stolen the village's name). A new town that was as originally planned to pay for the relocation of the station, but now the developers have reneged on that promise. Now ,we the tax payers are expected to pay for the relocation. Houses aren't selling on the new development, yet they are being given the services of a train station, robbing the village of a vital service that so many people use on a daily basis. I only use the station occasionally, but if the station closes, I would use my car to travel rather than go to the new station. The new town, and the developers just seem to want to steal everything from the village. Its time the people in charge started listening to residents rather than just thinking about money....... as we've seen, the promise of paying for relocation of the station soon disappeared after getting planning permission
Respondent 433 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
As long as the new proposed station opens before the current one closes, I'm indifferent. If the current one closes before the new proposed one opens, then I'm somewhat opposed.
Respondent 436 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I cannot answer question 17 above without understanding how the road layout and traffic around the new station is going to look like.
Respondent 438 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
Like a lot of people, my house is in the northeast end of old Waterbeach village, near Cody Road. The current station is a 25 min walk. This is long enough to make it unappealing to walk in bad weather, and unappealing to make it something I do every single day for commuting, when you factor in the return walk home after work, plus the fact I’m often pushing a pram (nursery dropoff in Cambridge). I understand the new station could be closer to a 15 min walk from Cody Road. This makes the daily walk more appealing. People talking of blocking the station move seem to forget that a significant proportion of Waterbeach residents will actually end up closer to the new station. Not everyone lives on the village green. The idea of having two Waterbeach stations is very silly - as if a train will start and stop over such a short distance. My only concern is whether the build will lead to noise and HGV traffic in the Cody Road area, plus the worry that road traffic in general around Cody Road may increase once the new station is open. The convenience of having a closer station will hopefully outweigh this.
Respondent 440 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
I am not in favour of keeping both stations open if this impacts the frequency of trains that can run to/from London.
Respondent 441 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
If the station remains open it is crucial for me that the same trains stop there. If the London service were to become less frequent, I would probably use Cambridge North, which is my alternative station and more convenient than the new Waterbeach station.
Respondent 442 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
The move of the station will likely mean that the station is closer to my house. I am concerned about parking issues, and sympathetic to the majority of the village who will have a much longer journey to the station. The full impact will be hard to judge without confirmation of parking arrangements and timetabling, as well as pedestrian/cycle routes from my part of the village to the new station.
Respondent 443 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
For people in the local area, the waterbeach village train station is a crucial lifeline for travelling and is an important part of the village. Being unmanned, I and many others believe it should remain open, in addition to waterbeach town, so that all residents get to access trains. It is on route on the bus and is easy to get to, and waterbeach village is an important place for surrounding communities to be able to access. As a young person without a car, it's a crucial means of access to be able to travel around.
Respondent 447 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
It will be very nice to have a new station however I feel for the people living in Waterbeach village who may be adversely affected by the closure of the existing station
Respondent 449 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It is a great station and much money was spent to extend the platform of this existing station. Please keep the station.
Respondent 451 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
I feel it's very important that there is a continuous train service from Waterbeach. If the current station is to close it must happen after the new station is operating. Having no functioning station in Waterbeach will drastically affect my ability to get to work.
Respondent 457 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The new ‘Waterbeach’ development have taken enough from the existing village, the theft of the train station is unacceptable
Respondent 458 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
We and many Waterbeach residents have always been expressing our wish to keep Waterbeach station. Many of us had bought houses in the village because of the convenience that the village has a train link to Cambridge and beyond to London. Many people opposed to the decision for many years and I would wish ouf voice will finally be heard.
Respondent 460 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
This is pure madness! Why close a perfectly functional railway station? Scrap the new one please. Funds can be spent to improve other projects, that benefits the whole community.
Respondent 462 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
The position of the current station is problematic due to location, it is to one side of the village with a narrow road often causing high volumes of traffic, it is a vast distance for the other side of the village to access, it has nothing around it such as local business that would benefit the area (jobs, etc). It would also mean better and hopefully safer facilities.
Respondent 463 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Will there be a direct link from the old village by road other than using the A10
Respondent 464 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Do not clos waterbeach station unless you open a new waterbeach station
Respondent 465 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I completely disagree with closing the current waterbeach station it is completely fine where it is situated, the money should be on improving the roads in the village and traffic calming measures to slow cars down that speed through the village
Respondent 466 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
We should not be further penalised by having our access to railway transport removed . The poor house sales in the new development do not justify this proposed closure
Respondent 467 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
As a carer of a disabled father this move would considerably cause problems as my father has numerous hospital appointments regularly and using train is easier but he would not be able to walk to new stations so we would have to drive
Respondent 469 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Ridiculous proposal! Put a station in a new development where a car is a necessity.
I cannot walk that far and the old station is near the heart of Waterbeach not near a soleless desert
Respondent 470 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
We are excited for the closure and the new train station opening. The village is expanding to a town. People from the village use the new development amenities all the time. They are happy to walk here for a walk around the lake and to use the cafe, but they are hostile to the new development. That makes no sense. The new station will be more inclusive or the old and new waterbeach residents. The new development will be larger than the old village, so the new station will be better long term.
Respondent 471 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It would seem that, for the next 10 years or so at least, more people from 'old' Watereach Landbeach etc would lose access to a station than would gain access in 'new' Waterbeach. Closing the old statio in 2028, if at al, thus makes no sense. Wny cant the new station be opened without closing the old one?
Respondent 475 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much in favour)
It is not fit for purpose,too dangerous for pedestrians. The paths are too narrow or you have to walk on road, with speeding cars and heavy buses/lorries. Whitmore way is used as a pick up/drop off by private cars and taxis,at peak time its chaos. Even buses use Whitmore Way to turn around in.
Respondent 476 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Closure will waste existing infrastructure and make using railway less convenient therefore frequently replaced mode of transport. It would necessitate use of car or bus for myself and definitely for less able members of my household for whom it will be simply too far to reach on their own.
Respondent 479 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I have no car and i live alone. Waterbeach station is used a lot by pedestrians cyclists and less by car drivers except perhaps first thing in the morning. I travel a lot but have no car. I do my supermarket shopping and all my long distance travel across England and across Europe by train starting at waterbeach. I can fly long haul from stansted but start at waterbeach. I can get back from visiting my children and grandchildren in London late at night and walk safely back home the half mile in ten minutes. I would feel much more anxious about an hour long walk in the rain and darkness. I won’t be using my bike because i always have luggage or shopping. The proposed new location may only be 2 miles up the line but the walk back here (old village) will be much longer. I don’t know how many people from the new estate will be interested in walking to the station -,you can’t live up there without a car. Perhaps the most practical answer (and the cheapest) would be to extend the car park or add another one over the road. We don’t need steps over the line. We already have disabled access. There is no need to move the station for purely political reasons. It won’t help anybody.
Respondent 480 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It just isn’t right - my daughter and son both bought houses here and one reason was ease of transport to Cambridge for work after dropping children at school and nursery, the new station will mean them both using cars in order to get drop off and travel fitted in, they walk and cycle now.
I travel here from Norwich by train which I was expecting to use more as I am disliking driving on the busy roads. I can’t walk all the way from the new station to here - what do I do?
Build the second station but don’t close the current one it’s madness.
Respondent 482 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Ultimately I view this through the selfish view of will the new station be better or worse for me/my neighbours, I haven't seen any evidence it will make much difference at all. An extra 10 minutes of walking is what it is.
Respondent 483 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Very sad news
Respondent 484 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Why are the current residents being marginalised vs those on the new Waterbeach town who
The decision to close the existing station is flawed as it assumes travel rather than current residents who actually travel
Respondent 485 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
If current station closes we would probably switch to Cambridge North. However the car park there is very full midweek so we’d have to consider new Waterbeach station sometimes. No Late evening public transport from stations to Landbeach at present so we do need to park a small car.
Respondent 487 (Age: 75 or older; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I have a blue badge. At the moment I can drive to the station. Parking is freely available for blue badge holders. Even if you cannot find a disabled space you can park in any other available space. Will the new car park at the new station be as accessible?
Respondent 488 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
If there was more information regarding the proposed new guided bus and other possible ways of getting to the new station then that would be helpful.
Respondent 489 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Please don't close the train station. Some of us chose to live here because of it. I rely on it for work, hospital appointments, socializing as I cannot personally drive. I do not want to have to move after 24 years just to prioritise newcomers and private companies who have not personally contributed to our village
Respondent 491 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
My concern is that the neighbourhood estates by the new train station will become unofficial parking for the users of the station. Keeping both stations open not only would serve two sections of the village, but it would dilute the use by villagers outside of Waterbeach who travel by car in using public streets for parking to avoid car park charges.
Respondent 492 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Atleast people won’t be blocking each others drives if they close the station.
It should not be near residential properties
Respondent 493 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I don't know much about this whole process (I am not from the UK but moved here 5 years ago and bought a house in the village). I understand the villagers frustration with the potential change. But if the new station is going to be better, more accessible and safe for more people, I think it should be done. The new location would be safer by eliminating the level crossing and that is an important advancement. Keeping both stations seems weird to me because they would be too close and increase the overall time of the trip for everyone by stopping twice. On a personal note, sometimes I feel that the resistance towards this change is coupled with a resistance towards immigrants and the frustration of the villagers with the new development. This makes this an even more delicate matter as it would require some people to be more accepting of new people, cultures and differences.
Respondent 494 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat opposed)
Any decision that has consequences can be improved by obtaining evidence. If the old station remains open for one year -- alongside the new one -- ridership data for each station would provide the answer that is being sought. It is hard to imagine that the extra stop would cost very much money, and it would certainly help regular users of the old station (like me) swallow the additional commute if they find they are very much in the minority.
Respondent 496 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
I understand that having two stations in such close proximity would be difficult, but it does seem unfortunate for those who live near the current station to lose it. Could this be mitigated by busses running to the new station?
Respondent 500 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Please keep it open!
Respondent 501 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Why not keep the existing station open AND build a new one?
Respondent 502 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
It would make most sense to keep the existing station as well as opening the new one
Respondent 504 (Age: 75 or older; View: Somewhat opposed)
The traffic down Cody Road to the new station would be greater than the road and neighbourhood should sensibly accommodate.
Respondent 506 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Why is it being closed?
If the station is remaining, have it as an additional stop for the original village of Waterbeach. The new station is located too far away for village residents.
Respondent 507 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
The existing station should close as it is situated at a level crossing with platforms either side of the road. This is a safety concern and I feel uncomfortable letting my young family use thus station. The settlement of Waterbeach (village plus new town as one settlement) is too small to support two stations.
Respondent 513 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
We probably will stop travelling for leisure to London or Cambridge. It’s also useful to get to the hospital when a car is not available, which can happen since I’m 30 weeks pregnant and my partner has a chronic condition. Also useful for us because none of us has family nearby, so family members can get here from the airport and other parts of the UK. The train station was one of the motivators to move to the area last year and it’s quite disappointing to lose it.
Respondent 514 (Age: 75 or older; View: Somewhat opposed)
The proposed new station will be of use to very few residents of the new town for a number of years and there is already a reliable bus connection from the new development to the existing station. I feel therefore the new station opening and the existing one closing would inconvenience considerably more people than the number who it would benefit.
Respondent 516 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much in favour)
Don't delay should open ASAP
Respondent 517 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I use the train to commute. at present I can walk, if the current station is closed I will be forced to drive and park.
I am also concerned about the valuation of our property and it's sale potential in the future. A key feature of it's value came from it's location within a few minutes of a station with direc connections to London
Respondent 519 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
While I don’t want traffic coming down this end of the village moving the station changes how we live so for that reason I’m disappointed if it moves
Respondent 520 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much opposed)
If the station closes, personally I believe that the trains would lose a lot of income from people not using the trains anymore as it is a too far distance to easily get to the new proposed station including Me and my Mother.
Respondent 521 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I would not be able to walk to the new station. Also more congestion with parking on surrounding roads as people won’t pay for car park.
Respondent 522 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I think there is no reason to close the station. the system will run perfectly fine, like many other stations in cambridge with multiple stops..it will also stop more traffic car using the roads and local areas..... which is the whole idea of public transport.... also there is no one at the new housing estate yet.......it's only the housing companies pushing for the new station......
Respondent 523 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
By putting a new station over a mile away from the current station people will use cars to get there unless there is a guaranteed bus service and cycleways. It means the village loses a valuable, convenient transport link - this impacts older people especially who can't get to the new station location.
Respondent 524 (Age: Under 16; View: Somewhat opposed)
In late summer 2028 (September) I will begin college/sixth form in Cambridge. The fastest and most efficient way to get there will be via train. I worry about the closure of the station meaning that for a period of time it will become more difficult for me to get to Cambridge, especially in my first term, where im already adjusting. Also, I worry about people parking on the streets and estates near to the proposed station, causing discomfort for the inhabitants there.
Respondent 525 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
It has just been extended to accommodate the bigger trains so that would be a waste of money and more people live in Waterbeach village than Waterbeach
Respondent 526 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Keep Waterbeach station open- have both old and new stations. We don’t want new TOWN traffic in the village but we should not have to lose our station because of GCP idealistic ideas of a new town. They are ruining Cambridge and the surrounding areas.
Respondent 533 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Part of the reason we moved to Waterbeach was for the train station which allows for accessible commutes into Cambridge. It would massively impact our daily commute, and we would likely think about renting somewhere else which is very unfortunate.
Respondent 535 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Keep both open. Maintenance costs are minimal both are unmanned. Closing the current one will drive significantly more traffic down smaller roads which are already undermaintained.
Increased traffic down residential roads increases the risks of accidents, especially as many people will be travelling past the Primary School.
Increased traffic will result in much more antisocial parking around the Co-op area and violations will inevitably not be policed and so leading to much more public nuisance.
Respondent 536 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
After spending the money to extend the platform to then close is both wasteful and highly inconvenient. I moved to Waterbeach 30 years ago because of the very convenient train station. I use it often as it's an easy quick walk. Travelling 2.4km to the new station takes all of the convenience away? Who benefits because it's not the original residents of Waterbeach. Bike theft is so bad in Cambridge that leaving my bike locked up at the new station isn't worth the risk this getting to it is going to be a huge issue. Massive new residents of the new development would benefit but there's considerably less of them and will be for many more years yet so this is an ill timed pointless endeavour.
Respondent 537 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I see no reason why we can't keep the original station, and they open the new one too. Like the Essex based Prittlewell and Southend Victoria stations. They are very close by to each other. 2 stations would be more useful to both communities, in terms of distance and ease of use, especially if you are wanting people to use more sustainable means of transport. I personally would not be able to walk the distance to the new one, so more likely to just get a lift in a car to where I need to go.
Respondent 539 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
The original station must be kept open with an operating service
Respondent 541 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
For my usage and location to the current and proposed new Waterbeach stations i am equidistant so am therefore not overly concerned. Though not a question I do have family regularly visit us who would also not be greatly impacted based on proximity of both stations.
Respondent 542 (Age: 75 or older; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Unfortunately, it is likely to create upset for the people of Waterbeach village against the Waterbeach new town, who in effect will be having their station robbed used as an inducement for the new development. I think that it is very important therefore that the people of Waterbeach village are given due consideration and for their inconvenience to be minimised by excellent quick access between the village and the new station.
Respondent 543 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
We have family who visit by train and they do not have access to to a car so this would impede on their journey
Respondent 544 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Firstly, to close Waterbeach village station penalises those who are in employments and pay Tax and Council Tax. To travel to the 'new station' puts punishing extra time onto their commute to Cambridge and London; it also pressurises those in work to pay out extra to get to the new station. Realistically, in all weathers, or in dark conditions, it is grossly unfair to expect commuters to add this stress to their working day, costs and life. For this household but many like us, we are working or semi-retired professionals who should not be expected to cycle, carrying bags and luggage, to rapaciously-priced car-parks and an increasingly-unreliable train-service. This is punishment to the sector who do most in this village to input into local, regional, national and international economies. Bear in mind, also, that the village station originated to provide a viable outlet for goods produced in this village: it is their labour which provided for the good of all. To remove this station feels like a devaluation of the rights of residents as well as a likely devaluation of our property to line the pockets of the Developers . Secondly, a shifting profile in Education means that various cohorts of children and students are deprived of swift and efficient access to places of Learning in Cambridge, including many Language Students who stay here over the summer. Even as a mature OU student, I have relied on this station as the first stage to study days in London and summer-schools at the University of Caen, in France. Thirdly, there exist records of council decisions to develop Waterbeach housing to benefit Elderly and Vulnerable in the 1970s. A significant number of older residents exist in and around the present village: they should not be denied smooth access to train transport to Addenbrookes, or for family visits across country. Many, myself included, find it increasingly difficult to drive; I already need Passenger Assistance and to haul luggage in the New Town station is unrealistic. Similarly, as one of the former and professional 'Official' tourist guides of Cambridge, travel to the New Town station would push my stamina to the point of exhaustion since tour-guide work is already physically challenging. To close the existing station would literally make my job impossible. Fourthly, Planners need to decide which criteria they wish to honour with regard to Sustainability. I belong to the Eco Group at St John's church and seek to promote good practice in a number of aspects of Environment. I see cohorts of villagers feeling forced to use cars to get to the New Station in absolute contravention of the Sustainability proclaimed elsewhere. Lastly, my family includes non-drivers who live in other parts of the UK: to close Waterbeach village station is to increase use of roads and cars for those visits. If any of those involved in decision-making would like to visit us and literally walk-through some of the factors here, they are very welcome. If they are over 40 years of age, with cases or suitcases, I think that they will quickly sense the problem. I can offer umbrellas and maps if required.
Respondent 545 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Why should our original village have to change to accommodate the new one that hardly anyone lives in !!!
Respondent 547 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Although I live nearer to the new station, I like to visit the village shops and pubs on my way to the station, there will be no opportunity to support these places when going to the new station
Respondent 548 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat opposed)
For me the new station is roughly the same distance, so as long as there are nice footpaths to get there I should be alright. But for less mobile people living closer to the current station, the closure will probably have much more of an impact.
Respondent 550 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much opposed)
It's going to be annoying to get there now to and from our house.
Respondent 551 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
I think Waterbeach needs a new more accessible and a much larger train station to accommodate a growing and thriving Waterbeach. I can see nothing but positives regarding the new station and I think having two stations in a village is excessive and a waste of the tax payers/ railway customers money. The new station will have lots more parking and a safe place to park bicycles which we do not have at the minute regarding all the thefts. In my view out with the old in with the new and lets make Waterbeach more appealing and accessible.
Respondent 553 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much in favour)
Im not against the current one closing but i can ignore the new proposed station seeming much nicer, more modern AND only a 5 min walk from my house, where as the current station is a 25-30 minute walk.
Respondent 554 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
A huge amount of money was spent lengthening the station a few years ago and it is very much at the centre of the village and therefore used by everyone. To get in my car to get to the new one, and pay to park is not something I am prepared to do. Surely both stations can remain and be used alternatively?
Respondent 557 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
Personally I don't see any issues with moving the old station to the new. Not only the station facilities would be newer with extra services but also closer to where we live in the village.
Respondent 558 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Why should existing residents suffer for
The new development. I moved
Close to the station 15 years ago and now it will be to far away for me to walk to easily. Why not have two stops. Why cause a huge divide between the new houses and the old. It’s really upsetting.
Respondent 559 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Our station is dated and in desperate need of repair to the platforms and waiting areas. If this means it has to be moved to achieve those changes then so be it, but it will be a shame, because Waterbeach village has always had the benefit of such and being outside the village on a new development that serves nobody is very shortsighted and pointless. Waste of money, that nobody has!! The development should pay for both, regardless, not our taxes!
Respondent 561 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
I don’t really see why you need to close it. A lot of money was spent on it to make the platforms longer so just have two stations.
Respondent 564 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Why can't you keep the original station where it is and a new station at the proposed site? We have cambridge South and cambridge North. So why can't we have 2 here!!??
Respondent 567 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Please don’t close the station. It’s so detrimental to the existing residents of Waterbeach
Respondent 571 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
I like the idea of a new station if it provides amenities like toilets or cafe.
Respondent 572 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I think this survey and associated leaflet need to make clear that the closure would only occur when the new station opens and provide a location map for it so that people can give a more considered response. It is overly alarmist to not mention the new station in the leaflet.
Respondent 575 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
The station is too small and it would be great to have a new station like Cambridge North.
Respondent 576 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
With the current urgency to achieve lower carbon emissions closing a station that serves so many people daily seems unthinkable. The new station will be a good distance away from the current one, so I cannot see that there is a good reason to close it when there could easily be enough users to justify having both open. Making public transport easier to use, not harder is paramount to reduce car usage. I currently have to use my car for my role as an unpaid family carer. My circumstance will likely change withing 3 years, and then I would aim to use it as little as possible.
Respondent 578 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of the present Waterbeach Station will make my regular journeys by train effectively impossible. As I shall have to run a second car (as opposed to the family car) to get to the new station I might as well use it for the majority of my journeys instead of train. Travelling to the new station will add so much to my journey time that a direct journey by car becomes more viable. The environment and local community will pick up the cost of additional car use, but I still have to travel as time and cost efficiently as I can. My house is in walking distance of the current station and if the station closes it will lose a considerable amount if value. I deeply resent the loss of value just so that developers can make large amounts of money. Closing the current station will be an environmental disaster and will mean that I pick up additional travel costs (additional car, running costs and loss of productive time) while losing house value. Keeping the station open has been shown to be feasible for the train operating companies so the main forces driving the call for closure are developer profits and the convenience of the operators - these factors should not prevail over the lives, welfare and economy of the people of the village community who use the present station. Does the Council represent us, the people, or the interests of profit seekers?
Respondent 580 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Moving the station is ridiculous, but we have no real say in the matter, GCP will always get their way...
Respondent 582 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
A stupid idea that will set back the village of Waterbeach by years
Respondent 584 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I can see no reason why Waterbeach can't have 2 station's.
Respondent 586 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
At present it is easy to find a space and cheap to park at Waterbeach station car park. I really would like this to be the same or better at the new Waterbeach railway station if that goes ahead.
I also would not want Waterbeach village to be at a disadvantage when being able to get to/from the station by walking/driving/public transport. The station is a vital part of Waterbeach and one of the reasons people to choose to live here in particular.
Respondent 587 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
I think having two stations near each other would be more beneficial to us in the original village and the new town, many people use the current and station and it would be a major inconvenience to close it down.
Respondent 588 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
The proposed new station is being built to serve the new development in the north of the village, using taxpayers’ money. However, this area is currently nowhere near as populated as the existing village. In my opinion, it is difficult to justify the significant cost of building a new station when the existing station is already fully functional and continues to serve the established community effectively. I see no reasonable justification for closing the current station and replacing it with a new one in a much less populated area.
Respondent 589 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Please do not close the Waterbeach Railway Station as it is the only closest way to reach my workplace.
Respondent 590 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach railway station is very convenient and easy mode of travel for many people including me as a nurse, one moment O was relieved with having cambridge south station opened right in front of my hospital the next thing I hear is waterbeach station's closure. I don't know the economical terms and conditions but having a station to travel to and fro has been one less thing to worry about in this busy lifestyle.
Respondent 592 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Moving Waterbeach station is an idiotic idea and designed to the detriment of residents of Waterbeach and purely to the profit of the developers of housing in new Waterbeach to improve their profits at our expense.
Respondent 593 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
You state that it will be 1.5 miles, but from my home to the new station it will be considerably longer. And I would have to drive and park ( no doubt at a cost to park ) so how is this saving the planet.
And it would be interesting to know what the population of the new town will be in 2028, compared to the existing village of Waterbeach.
Respondent 594 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
My current job is working on the delivery of Euro 2028 and travel return travel from Waterbeach to King's Cross is essential.
Respondent 595 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much in favour)
The current Waterbeach station is NOT fit for purpose and I have no issue with it closing and a new one opening. There is no justification for 2 stations. The road the current station is on is small and dangerous and with platform access either side of the level crossing making it more dangerous.
Just because it’s always been there is no justification for preventing change!
Respondent 596 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much in favour)
Fine with the closure as long as the new station is ready by then.
Respondent 597 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
Think the move is beneficial as the current location is not ideal and causes build up of traffic through the village
Respondent 599 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I do not believe the closure should happen.
At present, I am able to walk to the station.
If it is moved further away, this will not be a possibility. I am getting older and mobility will be more of a concern.
I believe, if there is to be a new station, it should be in addition to the present station.
I am most unhappy with the news that the station will close.
Respondent 600 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It is very short sighted to close a very well supported train station and to expect all users to travel back up the track via an oversubscribed road network to take a train southwards. Furthermore the lessons we learnt during the Beeching cuts of the 60s do not seem to apply! Please do not undermine a village community which has a working decent rail station to replace it with a new sub standard facility ( which was not that which was promised) and pretend this is an efficient use of resources. It pitches our original community against a new totally different community being established in the north of our village
Respondent 601 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
How can waterbeach station close in summer 2028 if no new station is ready to use?
Respondent 602 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much opposed)
I am a school pupil who has to teavel to school daily. There is no school bus so I have to teavel by train with my bicycle. The train us already very congested and hard to access with bucycle in the morning. Moving the station to the new town and increasing the number of people on it will make it much harder for me to get to school on time because there is no dedicated cycle carriage and adults will not give up a space on a full carriage to a school pupil.
Respondent 611 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I rely on the station to get to work at Addenbrooke’s hospital, I have epilepsy so am unable to drive, I moved to this village in order to be able to travel to work via train, the closure of this station would add a massive amount of time and money onto my already long working days, the train also keeps me connected with friends and family who live in london. I would be unable to travel by bike or car to the new station as would many people who already rely on the station.
Respondent 613 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Please consider at least some of the trains stopping at both. The new Waterbeach development deserves a good transport link but this proposal is to the detriment of an established community. Cambridge South, North and Main stations are a similar distance apart and are all served. Thank you for considering this.
Respondent 618 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat in favour)
The existing station is dangerous to access and the new one will have better facilities
Respondent 625 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of the station will be devastating for the village. I, and expect many others, would need to drive to the new station whereas I currently walk to the existing station. In reality I am very unlikely to travel by train if the existing station is closed because I would need to get in my car and drive to the new station which is in the opposite direction to my destination when travelling to Cambridge or Cambridge South station. I would therefore change my method of transport and drive into or through Cambridge to reach these destinations and would not choose to travel by train. I do not understand why the village should lose this public transport service in a climate of encouragement for us all to use public transport for the good of the environment, surely a new station should bring the benefit of an additional station to the network and not the loss of a station resulting in more car journeys and additional traffic on the already congested roads.
Respondent 627 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Shepreth and Meldreth stations are only a few minutes apart from each other. If having two nearly stations can be done there it can be done here too. It’d only be fair.
Respondent 628 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much in favour)
I support moving the station to the new town, but this must come with easy and direct access to walk and cycle to it from the old village
Respondent 630 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It is a travesty that an existing facility is closed and relocated just to make a newer development more attractive to prospective buyers. I have serious concerns about the intentions of the GCP as a whole who think that motor vehicles are "the enemy" - my evidence being as the now binned idea of a city wide congestion charge. High time that people other than academics and cyclists are taken into consideration. I cannot use public transport as often as I would like for work as there is no suitable link at an appropriate time. The GCP needs to resign with immediate effect for wholly disregarding the concerns of Waterbeach. NOTE: Waterbeach NOT Waterbeach Village (such a place has NEVER existed) and as for WB New Town, it is the result of laziness and lacklustre thinking.
Respondent 634 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
It seems, in my opinion, incredibly pointless to relocate the train station to a new location miles away from the actual main village centre just for the new village. Surely an increased public transport link (such as more consistent buses/shuttle services, or even a taxi rank) would be more beneficial and more cost effective in the grand scheme of things to cater for the residents in the new village? The train services to and from Waterbeach are already pretty dire, and I fail to see how this new station will rectify this in the long term.
Respondent 635 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Would it not be easier to have to stations. Waterbeach and new Waterbeach
Respondent 636 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
The new proposed station is much more suitable for the place where I live. It will also provide with much more bicycle parking spaces.
Respondent 638 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
If the current Waterbeach station is closed I would be more likely to make more journeys by car.
Respondent 640 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach will continue to suffer a loss of vital resources and services to the new development. It is a shame that we will use this vital and popular station to the new development that has no suitable arrangements for providing access to the new proposed station. Waterbeach station is one of the most popular and highly used rural stations- I cannot understand the logic in closing it.
Respondent 641 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I live in the new development and the relocation of the station seems like a great thing. At the moment the station feels too small for commuters, so it will only get worse. I also have to leave 30 mins before train because of traffic on A10
Respondent 643 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Closure would adversely affect my business as I have many clients who travel from Cambridge and Ely for their physiotherapy appointments with me in Waterbeach.
Respondent 644 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
Ideas for two Waterbeach stations is absurd - we are not Cambridge Biomedical campus, there is absolutely no need for keeping the old station and thinking it is in someway necessary is pure fantasy. The old station is on the edge of the village anyway, so it's not actually in a great location. Moving it seems perfectly reasonable given the new town location. People will just get used to it.
Respondent 645 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat in favour)
Just don't close the old one before the new one is open!
Respondent 646 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I do not want the station moved. We bought our house in Lode Avenue in 2018 and the reason we bought it was because we are 5 minutes walk from the station. At the time I worked outside Cambridge railway station at Carter Jonas so it was necessary to be near the station. When covid happened I was made redundant and I now work at Cambridge university in West Cambridge . They are very focused on staff using public transport where possible so I need to be near the station. I do not want to travel to the proposed new one.
Are you going to compensate those who live near the current one if you move it. Our house value will suffer all for the sake of a new development that clearly is not selling. Why can’t you provide a good path and cycle ways from the new development to the existing station and a good shuttle bus service. Will be much cheaper and you can spend the money you save on good infrastructure. It is madness to move it and it is the developers that want it just so they can sell the houses. They don’t care about the villagers who currently live in our village. Our village is changing for the worse if the station is moved. You must listen to the people who have lived here long before the development was ever thought of.
Respondent 647 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
At a Community Forum recently the rep from the Railways seemed to think that track availability and signalling issues meant the current station had to close - yet Cambridge South is close to Cambridge! That has been managed. The platform at Waterbeach has not long been lengthened to take 8 carriages. What a waste of money to now close it. The proposed station will not have good facilities. We pointed that out at the recent meeting - a waiting area needs roof AND sides and an enclosed front in this exposed location. If the lifts go U.S. disabled users will be stuck - and the station is not maned. Surely car parking will become an issue at the new location as current train users will have to drive and park. A very ill thought out plan.
Respondent 648 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The development of the new town should not completely wipe out the old village. If a new station is built it should service the new town residents and the original station should remain for the residents of the village as it has done for many years.
Respondent 651 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
I would prefer to have both stations open (Waterbeach North and Waterbeach). The reason for this is that I don’t know how easy/costly it’ll be to park my car at Waterbeach North, and I doubt I’ll cycle there. On the other hand, I appreciate the current Waterbeach station would probably be out of capacity once the new development is completed and populated.
Respondent 653 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
I’m in favour of the new train station as it would be very close to my house
Respondent 654 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
We MUST have a station in Waterbeach, if the distance is 1.5miles then I don’t see the problem in moving it - it’s also closer to my house.
However if the plan of removing it all completely then I’m against
Respondent 655 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Keep it open and every second train stops.
i.e. one train stops @ new station next one stops @ old station
Best of both worlds
Respondent 656 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Being a single mom without a car, is very difficult to access into the social, nature and sports activities that can cover my own and children's needs, with a very few resources.
The Cambridge Sailing Club in Waterbeach is our large family, where adults take care of other adults, as well children and young people in the best way, bringing to them healthy experiences, deep knowledge, values and joy. Each person is welcome to the sailing experience, and all people is respectful of nature, and love the Cam River.
If the train station in the current position close, we will lost this unique possibility, affecting our entire life with a very drastic negative change.
Thanks for your listening.
Respondent 659 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
slow trains should stop at both Waterbeach stations, the old and the new
Respondent 660 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
I can’t see the benefit to have 2 train stations 2,4km from each other . Also , the new train station will be much closer to the village than to the new town.
The value of the houses around the coop will just gain value from the presence of the station nearby!
Respondent 661 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
There is no space in the timetable for both stations to be open. The current one benefits a smaller number of people and the road approaching it is downright dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. That's before you take into accouny dangerous behaviour by people in a rush at the level crossing. Don't mistake the loud minority as having a universally accepted opinion!
Respondent 663 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
does seem strange to shut Waterbeach so soon after the platform was extended
Respondent 664 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It appears to me a bias towards the new town & ignoring the local community
Respondent 665 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
I'm heavily reliant on the train to get to my job in London 3 times a week. My company mandates that im in person 3 days a week. So whether the train station closes or not, im very concerned of any disruption whilst the build of the new station is taking place. Over summer its taken me 3 hours some days to get to work due to signalling issues and problems on the tracks. Therefore id argue that spending the money on rail repairs to have a better consistent service is where id place investment.
Respondent 667 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much in favour)
We need the new station to open before the old one closes. Or keep them both to serve both ends of the village.
A better bus route in place to get into town, to the park and ride but essentially Cambridge North Station
Respondent 669 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I can currently park free at/ around the current train station. Unless it is proposed that there will be free parking available at the new station, my (already high) monthly costs for travel will significantly increase.
Respondent 672 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
The economics of having two stations in Waterbeach do not stack up in my opinion.
Respondent 673 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Would like to see logic of closing an existing station, serving an existing community, and replacing with a new station for future community growth. Surely having BOTH is best for growth (I.e. Cambridge North and South, Shepreth and Foxton etc).
Respondent 674 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The station is an integral part of the village and provides easy access to Ely, Cambridge and London.
Respondent 675 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
There is no need to close. Existing station is sufficient to accommodate the needs
Respondent 679 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
It would be inconvenient for the residents lives near the station. I'm very much in favour of keeping the existing one with new one.
Respondent 683 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The proposed closure of our station will be detrimental to a lot of people and cause huge problems for many with limited mobility or difficult circumstances. It would be unfair and disadvantage most of us.
Respondent 684 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Many over 70’s have lost our no. 9 bus to Ely and now going to lose the train too. We are feeling more and more cut off.
Respondent 686 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Why can’t we operate with both stations? Especially as Waterbeach new town is not yet fully populated.It works for Shepreth and Foxton. I’d like to see the evidence behind the decision to close the current Waterbeach station.
Respondent 687 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach village is very much taking a back seat to the new development!
Respondent 688 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
Pointless closure when so many people use waterbeach railway station - the closure will only lead to more traffic in Cambridge due to less use of public transport.
Respondent 690 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I’m writing to respectfully ask that you reconsider closing the current Waterbeach train station, as it would have a significant impact on my daily life, and I suspect on many others in similar situations.
Every morning, I drop my child off at school and then head straight to the station. The timing is tight, but it works. If the station were moved further away, I would almost certainly be late for work on a regular basis. That may sound like a small thing, but it would reflect poorly on my reliability and could even put my employment contract at risk. I’m not alone in this, many parents, shift workers, and elderly residents rely on the current location to keep their routines manageable.
I understand that the new station is part of a long-term plan, and I fully support the progress. But I would like to suggest a practical middle ground: keep the existing station open alongside the new one for a trial period of a few years. Since Waterbeach currently operates without staff, the ongoing cost may be lower than assumed. During that time, passenger data could show whether both stations serve distinct needs, or whether one naturally becomes redundant.
If, after a fair trial, the old station proves unnecessary, then at least the decision will have been based on real usage, not assumption. And if it proves valuable, we will have preserved a vital link for our community.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this perspective. I truly appreciate the work you do, and I hope we can find a solution that works for everyone.
Respondent 691 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
My biggest problem is that the station has been funded largely by tax payers, when the new station brings no real benefit to current villlage residents. I might feel differently if train services were expanded (or made more reliable!).
Respondent 692 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
I have friends in Clayhithe who travel to London more than I do and the lack of a station their end if Waterbeach will be difficult for them. If I get work I shall be using the train much more and would use the station more. It was a Godsend when visiting my father here before I moved.
Respondent 693 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Such a bad idea to close, it's well used, has only recently had platforms extended. Why not 2 stations? Unfair to ask people to walk or travel to a new site when we can't really judge how easy it will be for us to get there. Also poor homeowners in Station Road, who will see a drop in value to their homes.
Just disgusted with whole back handed way it has been handled, especially with developer not paying for it!
Respondent 694 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much in favour)
The roads would be less congested and we would be able to park in our own village to go to the shops.
At the moment cars are parked on bends and outside peoples houses all day sometimes all week.
Respondent 695 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
I have a senior rail card but haven't used it yet. The intention is to start using the trains more mainly to go to London , Norwich, York rather than short hops.
Respondent 697 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Think about Waterbeach Village residents and how many people live compared with the new town and how many people currently use the station per day it’s a lot of people what are they going to do. It’s a ridiculous idea.
Respondent 700 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat in favour)
The proposed new station will be closer to my home, so for that I am tentatively in favour of it moving. However I have concerns about people using our residential area for parking and about increased traffic, especially with pets and children in the nearby vicinity
Respondent 701 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach Station has always been a safe and convenient place to travel from The new station will be further for me and not safe during night time .
Respondent 706 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
I volunteer to offer lifts to local residents who have mobility and transport issues. More people are likely to find the new station inaccessible and volunteer services are unlikely to be able to address these needs. Moving the station will also further the marginalisation of Waterbeach village and is likley to increase demand on the A10 rather than the theoretical reduction in traffic.
Respondent 708 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Many rely on this train station, and how close it is to their home. Getting rid of it to have one further away is not acceptable, it will affect people ability to travel outside the village, especially with getting to the hospital.
Respondent 714 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I am very concerned about vehicle access to station, particularly congestion caused at peak times.
Respondent 715 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I bought my property because I could walk to the railway station
Respondent 717 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
This new station is a pure money grab. The third developer has no intention of building the homes and simply wishes to sell the land at an inflated price once the land value increases
Respondent 718 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I would like this station to remain open.
Respondent 721 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I strongly oppose the closure of the existing Waterbeach station. Instead, I believe the existing station should be retained alongside the proposed new station.
Closing the existing station would have a huge impact on my day-to-day life. I have a bad knee, and walking 2.4km to the proposed new station would be extremely difficult and, at times, impossible. This would leave me much more reliant on buses or on driving into town when I have access to a car.
I find it very difficult to understand why the existing station needs to be closed when the railway line and trains will already be passing through Waterbeach. Why can’t the existing station remain open and the new station also be built? Having both stations would provide better coverage for the growing Waterbeach community and give residents more choice about where they access the railway.
Keeping the existing station would also provide an important and accessible option for people who may struggle to travel the additional 2.4km to the new station, including people with mobility difficulties, older residents and those without access to a car.
I am also concerned that closing the existing station will encourage more people to use cars instead. If the new station is significantly further away, people who currently walk or cycle to the existing station may instead have to drive or rely on buses. This could lead to increased traffic and congestion on local roads and create additional car journeys that could otherwise be avoided.
If the aim is to encourage sustainable travel and reduce congestion, it seems counterproductive to remove an existing railway station that is already being used by the community.
I strongly believe that the best solution would be to keep the existing Waterbeach station open while also developing the new station. This would provide the greatest benefit to the community, improve accessibility, encourage public transport use and avoid unnecessarily forcing existing passengers to travel an additional 2.4km to access the railway.
There is clearly significant local support for keeping the existing station open, with over 2,825 people having already signed the petition calling for Waterbeach Railway Station to remain open (change.org). I hope this strength of feeling from the local community will be taken seriously when considering the future of the station.
https://www.change.org/p/keep-waterbeach-railway-station-open?recruiter=128783200&recruited_by_id=d4c2e890-0eaa-11e4-91a8-7dc4af4fb914&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_promote_or_share&utm_term=8e134a0cb86d4706bfe60e111dbbfe02&utm_medium=whatsapp&share_id=dqdjPd6KGv
Respondent 722 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
As at time of completing this form only 131 houses have been sold. Constant repairs to social housing on this development leads me to think poor workmanship has taken place. The developers have built a development based on pie in the sky promises including a bridge which promo pictures showed someone riding a horse. Not an everyday event riding horses over the top of the busy A10.
Respondent 725 (Age: 75 or older; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
We used to use Waterbeach Station until the opening of Cambridge North with its more extensive and (perceived) more secure car parking.
Respondent 727 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I use the train to regularly commute into London for work.
Having a train station nearby is therefore a critical need and a critical reason for living in Waterbeach.
The new train station will be nearer to me, increasing my usage, my exercise. and reducing my carbon footprint.
I am therefore indifferent to the existing station closing, but only so long as the new station has opened nearby.
Respondent 731 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of Waterbeach station would affect the ability of some residents to get to the new station, meaning not able to walk, cycle or get there by car. The station has been in Waterbeach
for 180 years and because of that, it would be a tragedy to lose it. Build a new station on the Barracks by all means and have the trains stop at both of them, I cannot see why trains are unable to do this, ( I think it can) it has to be good for the residents of Waterbeach Village and the New Village on the barracks. It feels to me that 'A new town should have a new station' yes but don't take ours away.
Respondent 732 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much in favour)
Sooner it’s closed the better.It’s an antiquated station that’s past its day. Embrace change, and get on with the new station.
Respondent 733 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Many people have moved to the village of waterbeach so that they could walk to the train station.
Respondent 734 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The station shouldn't be moved away from the village.
Respondent 735 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
One attraction for me living in Waterbeach was the ability to travel by train for both work and social occasions. I don’t understand why the current station can’t be linked into the travel plan of the proposed new station
Respondent 736 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
Why not make the old station a request stop?
Respondent 737 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
A more distant station would require driving there. If just to Cambridge, then it would likely just end up in driving to Cambridge rather than using the train at all. Neither feel like positive steps.
Respondent 739 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It’s an abomination closing the current station for Waterbeach residents, who moved to the village to use the station. There should be two stations the current one kept and another stop at the new Waterbeach. It’s beyond nonsensical closing the station, making more car traffic through the village, causing safety issues for children and environmental impact with more cars. It’s beyond ridiculous closing the station, taking away a very well used mode of transport for current residents, who have used it for decades and decades.
Respondent 741 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I feel this so sad that you are thinking of taking away people means of getting into Cambridge and more if they have a electric scooter or walking ad.. buses are not alway the best at keeping time .
Respondent 744 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
The investment in the existing Waterbeach station has been made. It cannot be sold so it defies logic to close it down. There would be a cost to doing so .
Access routes by road to the new north station are not yet defined clearly.
It seems quite unreasonable to close down a facility used by residents coming from Waterbeach and a wide surrounding area when the alternative will basically serve a new housing estate that will not even be completed for years to come.
Respondent 745 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I think it is a total waste of money it's not that long ago that the original station had thousands of £ spent to lengthen both sides for the new longer coaches now you want to close it to build a new one just a bit further along the track doesn't make sense to me
Respondent 746 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
There are a lot of people in waterbeach that rely on this train to get to places like Ely where the bus service has stopped these people will feel stranded and could effect there mental health also they have already taken our name why should they have our station too , it’s just wrong.
Respondent 748 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much in favour)
Closer to the new town will benefit more people in the long run.
Would also be great to keep both stations..
Respondent 749 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
For us it’s the only transport to Ely. We want to keep our independence as long as possible.
Respondent 750 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I travel to work everyday from Ely station to Waterbeach station and then walk for 40 minutes to landbeach for work everyday
Respondent 751 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
There is no need to move the Station, leave it where it is.
Respondent 752 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
It does not make sense as the hundreds of people who use the current station from the village would need to travel to the new one in some way or decide its easier to use their car to travel where they want to go. It would be better to have both options as you do as you get nearer to london where stations are fairly close together.
Respondent 753 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Whilst I am not against the new station I can’t see that closing the old station serves any purpose. Surely it would be better to run both stations in parallel for a period of time to look at usage and then decide on the long term viability. It has for me reduced my dependence on the car which as I get older seems a good thing. In truth I think if I had to drive to the new station I’d just keep going in the car and not use the train unfortunately.
Respondent 754 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
very inconvenient for students like myself, also completely unnecessary. very upset.
Respondent 758 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
People who bought their home here because close to station, their homes will suffer huge devaluation
Respondent 759 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I feel this is very unfair to Waterbeach village (as we are now known) now they want to remove a station that has worked very well for our community, Waterbeach has a wonderful bus service the 100 that can be used to connect to the station
Respondent 761 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
If the new station is operating during the closure of the current station, the negative impact will be minimal
Respondent 762 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
The new station will be closer to my house than the current station and therefore beneficial to me. However, I don’t mind if the current station stays open or not, other than the fact it is probably unnecessary to have two stopping so close together
Respondent 763 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Quality of proposed new station will make a difference. And access: if the roads to get there are difficult I would likely travel by car to Cambridge North
Respondent 766 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
please don’t close it !!!
Respondent 768 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat opposed)
The closure of the train station would increase the length of my commute (though not as badly as other residents of Waterbeach). Although I could cycle to the new station, taking a bike on the train is often inconvenient and not permitted at peak times.
Respondent 769 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I feel losing our current station will discriminate against the disabled and elderly because the distance to the new one is unmanageable for a lot of villagers!!!
Respondent 773 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The use of buses to replace the railway service is causing problems of noise, vibration and road damage on Station Road and is not a viable solution for residents of Station Road which is not designed for such large, heavy vehicles.
Respondent 774 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Our station is part of the VILLAGE, don’t lose it
Respondent 775 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The location of the new station is not close to either the new town or the village, you can only imagine it will increase car use for residents getting to it.
Respondent 776 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Keep it open , we can have 2 stations if you insist on opening another for the new town but we had ours first
Respondent 777 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I think the current location is best- a village station at the heart of the village. The new development has already taken our name now they want the station too! If Cambridge can have more than one station waterbeach should too - it will be nearly city size by the time the developement has ended. Where are the additional facilities for the new township? Doctors? Chemists? The new plans are not properly thought through it is nonsensical to decommision existing infrastructure and agrivate residents.The new houses are overpriced and look ugly you could build a station and end up losing passengers if no one further moves in! Wait and see the need before you jettison a station that works and is needed!
Respondent 778 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
I am not quite sure where the new station will be built, but Waterbeach station is a convenient 15 minute walk from my house and since there is no onsite parking at my workplace I rely on public transport.
Respondent 779 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Look after the current residents.
Respondent 780 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
It’ll bring the station closer to home, so making it easier for us to get there
Respondent 781 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I can’t see why Waterbeach strip. Can’t remain open. Cambridge has North Central and the South. Surely it would cost more to take it down than keep it open. It’s convenient for me I can walk it or cycle it over an accessible rural pleasant route. With Waterbeach expanding so much surely two stations can be justified and needed. I do my shopping weekly via Waterbeach station to Ely and although it’s a good walk I don’t want to it be too long and too much for me. I’m getting older so don’t want my active travel to become a marathon or be put off from active travel as it keeps me fit which having to travel to another station my well prevent me from doing.
Respondent 782 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Waste of money that could be put to better use in the village
Respondent 784 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much in favour)
It is essential that with the proposed large house building planned that a station with increased capacity be made avaiilable to the rail traveller
Respondent 785 (Age: 60-74; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I travel to London at least once a month but since Cambridge North has opened use that station instead of Waterbeach as the parking is so much easier. Depending on parking available at the new station I might be tempted back to use the new Waterbeach station.
Respondent 787 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
When I go to London it would be too far for me to walk home and dark I would not feel safe
Respondent 790 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
It would be too far to walk to the new station so we would use it less.
Respondent 791 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Please, do not close the existing Waterbeach railway station. People who live near it will not be able or will struggle to use a new one as it is quite far. By walk it would take them more than 30 minutes to get to the new station. The best option would be to have two stations that serve different areas of the village. Thank you.
Respondent 792 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Don't close Waterbeach station! Add shuffle bus (lower cost) or build additional station
Respondent 794 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Do not close
Respondent 795 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Please don’t close. Can current station be kept open as well as a new one? Alternating train drop offs? Or similar service to cambridge north / cambridge- also two very close together train stations.
Respondent 799 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat opposed)
I think Keep the old one and have 2 station
Respondent 800 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
The new station will be closer to our house so the closure won't affect us negatively. I'm concerned that having two stations in Waterbeach will increase journey times.
Respondent 801 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I suggest not closing the station and have both running on similar or different schedules
Respondent 802 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Odd questions
I would have to use the new station reluctantly as still closer than Cambridge north i think
Respondent 805 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
Can't we have both railway station?
Like north waterbeach and south??
Respondent 807 (Age: 16-17; View: Somewhat opposed)
Not really
Respondent 808 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much in favour)
The station layout is the most dangerous that exists with a level crossing between offset platforms on either side. It is important to remove this excessive risk to rail and road users.
Respondent 809 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
PLEASE KEEP THE WB STATION OPEN. I’m not against a new station for the new town, in fact, I’m a big supporter if the new development will bring thousands of residents. However when a new estate is being introduced near an already existing village, it is not justified to remove already existing and well used facilities from the existing community. We are the residents of Waterbeach and WE DO EXIST. There is enough usage of the WB station to be kept open and a new one being introduced to serve the new community, the WB station has received significant investment recently to make the platforms longer. Plus, with the new Cambridge South station the journey times have been reduced so keeping WB open will only bring the journey times back to how they used to be for Kings Lynn passengers if there was an additional stop serving the new town residents, this is rather feasible and realistic! They should just leave the village and the villagers alone with our facilities and should problem solve the new development within its remit. We also have recently invested in WB with a new house within walking distance to the station to make our commute easier to other places. Our relatives, families and friends also do rely on this station to visit us frequently. The station is also our transportation option to our social life out in the city or up in Ely and it would be massive hassle if we have to travel extra elsewhere to be able to access these nearby places.
Respondent 810 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I use the station to travel and visit my family and friends in Cambridge and in London. The closure of the station will have a significant negative impact on my connection with my support network. Please keep it open. Another station is also fine as long as the existing facilities are not erased for an existing community.
Respondent 812 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
My daughter typically uses the station at least 20 times a month
Respondent 813 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The existing Waterbeach station is a well established, heavily used public service that residents have built their daily lives around. Relocating it 2.4km north is not a minor logistical adjustment, it is a forced disruption to how an entire village travels, works, and accesses essential services.
My partner and I are a clear example of this. We regularly choose the train over the car for trips into Cambridge for socialising, shopping, and work, despite rail fares being far from cheap.
Since Cambridge South station opened, the existing station has become even more valuable to us, giving us direct rail access to Addenbrooke's Hospital for medical appointments and health check-ups.
Moving the station north would undermine exactly the kind of behaviour this infrastructure should be encouraging. It is well-understood human psychology: once someone has driven to a station and paid for park-and-ride parking, they have already broken the "no car" habit and for anything short of a long-distance journey, they are far more likely to simply drive the rest of the way rather than park and switch to rail. In practice, this closure would not shift our car journeys onto trains; it would shift our train journeys onto cars.
The result would be the opposite of what good transport planning should achieve; more car dependency, more local traffic, and reduced use of a rail service that currently works precisely because it's on residents' doorstep. The existing station's proximity to the village isn't incidental it is the reason it succeeds. Relocating it risks trading a functioning, well used piece of public transport infrastructure for one that quietly pushes people back into their cars.
Respondent 814 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
I only use a car for Supermarket shopping when the roads are quiet, and at other times use the Bus or Rail. It does matter to me how much further it would be to walk to the (new) rail station from where I live
Respondent 815 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Closing the existing station would significantly increase vehicle traffic on Waterbeach's main village roads precisely the roads that would become the primary access routes to the new northern station. This is not a marginal effect; the existing station already serves a substantial catchment of users, both from Waterbeach itself and from surrounding villages, and that demand is only set to grow with the scale of new housing being built as part of Waterbeach New Town.
Given this combination a large and growing local population, a wide catchment from neighbouring villages, and a new town development that will add thousands more residents to the area the case for retaining two stations is not just reasonable, it is necessary. A single relocated station cannot realistically absorb this level of demand without pushing significant additional traffic onto village roads that were never designed for it. Two stations serving the area isn't a duplication of infrastructure it's the minimum required to match the scale of development already planned.
Respondent 816 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Despite being closer to the proposed new station if it were to be open, I’m fully against closing the existing station. The demand for railway in and around waterbeach is only going to increase with the rising population -at the rate it’s expected with the new development. This would mean a significantly increased traffic jam on the Cody road which is already a busy area with speeding drivers. I’d rather support that the existing station remains open to manage the population seeking railway transportation across two stations rather than overpopulating the nearby areas with passengers for one.
Respondent 817 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The closeness of the current waterbeach station is much more convenient to waterbeach residents. The new waterbeach location is less appealing in terms of distance and due to the fast and vast growth of waterbeach there shouldn’t be any issue with having a station and a platform open.
At the very least, the old station should not close before the new one opens and is fully functional as this would leave many residents stranded or inconvenienced travelling to work; specifically if commuting to London.
Respondent 818 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
We use the train occasionally and it is within easy walking distance for us when we do if it is shut we would being using transport to get to the new station creating more congestion in the village
Respondent 820 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I use the train to visit a relative several times a year.. Can walk to current station but would have to use car to new station and then probably pay for a week's parking. I currently live within short 10 minute walk to station.
Respondent 821 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of the current railway station is makes a mockery of the current Waterbeach community. In particular, the commuters who live near the current station. It is these professionals, and their families, who have made Waterbeach a desirable village. For the teen and young adults, the current train station is a vital link to school and social life beyond the village. And for the older members of the community, the train may provide essential links to family and facilities. The new development is struggling to sell the houses, let alone complete any of the promised, and required, infrastructure (school / leisure / health provisions?).
Respondent 823 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
It feels silly moving the station within the existing village. If the aim is to provide access for the new development then it should be built further up to provide them access (Waterbeach North) whilst keeping the existing station (Waterbeach)
Respondent 824 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Moving something 2.4km is barely any distance, if your trying to make it widerly accessible build paths to it or roads to it
Respondent 825 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
It’s not clear what the pedestrian and cycle access to the new station will be from Waterbeach village, especially the Bannold Drove end. So, until that’s clear, I’m not sure how to feel about the closure of the existing station.
Respondent 826 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I can’t believe WaterBeach station he’s going to close,
I recently moved here to commute to London
Having lived in Water Beach in my younger days moved back here as buying up in London to live was expensive
Been here two weeks and then read the poster in Water Beach that you’re gonna close how disappointing
Might have to sell up and move somewhere else how annoying
Or I can just clog up the road network by travelling into Cambridge North
I think that’s just going backwards. Why are you closing it? There’s no point.
Please save our station
Sean
Respondent 828 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much in favour)
I believe that if there are 2 waterbeach stations, as i understand is being proposed if the current station does not close when the new opens, that the train operators are unlikely to serve both. Perhaps meaning fewer trains stopping at wb altogether, addtioninally if some trains stop at one and not the other than commute will become more complex as if i chose to cycle and park my bike at the station then it may be at the wrong station upon my return. Alternatively the journeys would be longer if trains need to stop twice. Addtionally it would not help accessability, the current station is unmanned and so it is not accessible, if the new station is manned then this would increase accessibility to the station even if it is further away. Currently the station is at the edge of the village and bringing it between new town and old town will allow it to be more accessable to more people.
Respondent 829 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I sometimes commute into London for work and can easily walk to the current station.
If the new station is 2.4km away I will have to drive there or be dropped off causing much inconvenience to me and my partner.
Respondent 832 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
The new Waterbeach Station will be a very welcome benefit and one of the reasons we moved to Waterbeach. The old station is in an awkward place and is not great for pedestrians or cyclists. It would be nice if the old station was converted into more nature reserve. It would also be beneficial if there was a footpath or cycle path from where the old station was to the new one.
Respondent 834 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It will be really inconvenient to loose the station in the centre of the village, that was one of the reasons we located to waterbeach so we had good access to public transport.
Respondent 835 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
it will stop me from going out regularly, because the new station will be too far away.
Respondent 836 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I moved to Waterbeach 2 years ago as I favoured the transport links to get to Cambridge. I do not have a car. I would be very disappointed if Waterbeach lost its rail links by closing the station.
Respondent 837 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I feel it's a waste of money as we already have a station and there's a bus run through the new build there's no houses near the new station at present Don't see the need to have one
Respondent 838 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
I think opening the new station would be very convinient to serve the new waterbeach and the village. The current station is located in an awkward place, it is not very nice to walk or to cycle to. Plus, it would be very expensive to maintain the railway station and wouldn’t make much sense for the train to stop at 2 stops less than a minute away from each other.
It would be great if we could transform the current railways station into a nature reserve, incorporate it to Cow Hollow Wood for example. It would also be quite useful to have cycling path alongside the railway line to easily walk/cycle to the new station.
Respondent 839 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
This decision should be made on merit, feelings, empathy and self interest must not be taken into consideration.
Respondent 840 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I can walk to the current station, I cannot to the proposed new station
Respondent 841 (Age: 75 or older; View: Somewhat opposed)
The new station would be beyond the distance I could walk to the station. Most likely to drive to Cambridge North instead, if old station closes. Usually have small suitcase that can tow when walking. Cannot use bike with one of those!
Respondent 842 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The station is used by members and instructors of Cam Sailing Club. It is very convenient to get to our Club from Cambridge
The other proposed station is too far away. We have new members that value getting to the Club by train.
Respondent 843 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The closure will mean I am unable to care for my parents. I am extremely worried that this. It would mean they would have to be in full time care, something they do not want and neither do I.
Respondent 845 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I strongly oppose the closure and demolition of the existing Waterbeach station. It has served our village since 1845 – over 180 years – and remains a viable, well-used and valued community amenity.
Waterbeach is already bearing the considerable impacts of large-scale development: increased traffic and growing pressure on healthcare, schools and infrastructure. New development should bring additional infrastructure, not remove an established amenity from the existing community. The new town undoubtedly needs good rail access, but this should not be provided at the expense of residents of the original village.
For many existing residents, the proposed station will mean a substantially longer journey. This affects commuters, families, young people, older residents and particularly disabled or less-mobile passengers. Longer walking and cycling routes, busier road crossings and potentially less well-used or poorly lit routes also raise legitimate accessibility and personal-safety concerns, including for children and people travelling alone. Driving is no solution: vehicle access to the new station will add journeys to the already heavily congested A10, increasing traffic and emissions.
Demolishing a functioning station is also extraordinarily wasteful. The existing platforms were only recently (2020) extended to accommodate eight-carriage trains- decision taken in light of the known new town station plans. Rather than spending millions removing usable railway infrastructure and that money should be directed towards any safety or accessibility improvements necessary to retain it. Removal will also be hugely carbon intensive and I would expect the environmental impact to be fully assessed versus keeping the existing station.
The operational argument against two stations is increasingly unconvincing. Services already make closely spaced stops at Cambridge North and Cambridge, and the marginal additional journey time of retaining Waterbeach village station must be weighed against the enormous and permanent loss of accessibility for existing residents.
The most pragmatic, sustainable and fair solution is therefore simple: build the new station to serve the new town and retain the existing station to serve the existing village. Development was supposed to benefit the existing community. Taking away a railway station that has served Waterbeach for more than 180 years achieves precisely the opposite, it deliriously affects the Waterbeach village community.
Respondent 846 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Closing that railway station has a big effect on the folks that can currently walk to and use the station regularly. To close it effectively you are removing train usage to the local community.
Respondent 847 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much opposed)
I dont want our station to be taken away. I use it to get to mmy school and clubs and into town. We have beetn learning at school how has been in oir village for over 100years and all the differnt types of people who use it which saves the planet because they arent using cars. The new station will be much further away fir me and my freinds and to get to it we will have to go in cars or cross busy roads and in winter coming home from school it will be dark so longer to walk or bike jn the dark. I heard too that it will cost lots and lots of money to close our station and i think that money should be saved and used to make imlrovements to our station (like a toilet) or given to schools or doctors or the village for our community. The new town will have a station for itself and my village and everyone that lives here deserves to keep the one we have. If it goes it will make life moredifficult for me.
Respondent 848 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I believe that moving the station will ruin the heart of Waterbeach as a village. By all means provide the New Town with transport facilities but do not take away from our village what has been there for years and is used by many in the community.
Respondent 849 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
It is much more economical to leave the station where it is. Moving the station 2km away from the existing station seems like very unnecessary public spending.
Respondent 850 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Feels like a lot of unnecessary expense and upheaval to move a station a mile away, both for the environment and people living locally. Surely it would be cheaper and less hassle to add a wide cycle road from new development to existing station so people there could access the existing station or have regular shuttle buses from New waterbeach development to existing station.
Respondent 851 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach station is a vital part of the village and a large reason we live where we do. My work in London is intermittent, but when I need to travel, it is always by train.
Respondent 853 (Age: 75 or older; View: Somewhat in favour)
Frequent stops increase overall travel times. The number of people who will be inconvenienced by the change in location of Waterbeach station is relatively small, mainly those who live close enough to be able to walk to the current location.
Closing the station will relieve some of the parking problems in the village.
I can understand some people wanting to keep it open, but on balance I think it is important to consider the wider benefits and disadvantages to the whole community.
Respondent 855 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Without the present station I will not be able to travel as much as I do.
Respondent 856 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I moved my family from Cambridge to Waterbeach for a safer place to live. Through we all travel in to Cambridge for work and study, we spend our leisure time here. We choose our home as it’s close to the station so it limits the disruption to our daily lives as much as possible. This proposal will complicate our daily lives massively. My kids don’t drive and won’t be able to for some time. Even if they could the train is much more convenient and environmentally friendly. I will have to drive a lot more, and my partner too, to get in to Cambridge or to this new station. Our energy usage will increase drastically. It Waterbeach’s development trajectory is meant to be bold and increasing , why doesn’t the new town get its own station?
Respondent 857 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
If the station moves I will take an accelerated driving license course to pass my test and drive to Cambridge daily. This will decrease my usage of waterbeach train station(s) increase my energy usage and congestion around the commuter belt of waterbeach to Cambridge
Respondent 858 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
I use the train for work. As long as the new station operates a good service to London I am not concerned where it’ll the station is, as long as it is accessible to Waterbeach
Respondent 859 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I can walk to the station but not to the planned new station. I have arthritis and can get to the current station. Will parking be free at the new station? Will there be a route that is not via the A10? I bought my house on account of the present station. House prices may decrease if the station is closed.
Why can there not be two stations? The original community needs to be served. Do not cut services in this age of high petrol prices and utility costs. Once the service is lost, it will be gone forever, just like the Beeching cuts! SJM
Respondent 860 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat in favour)
I feel there is a lack of information
Respondent 862 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
There was significant investment in the station to extend the platforms to allow 8 carriage trains to stop. This increased the frequency of the service and has increased my use of the station. I would probably drive to Cambridge North rather than the new Waterbeach station in future if the station closed, adding another acr to the A10 traffic. Cambridge North is 2.2 miles from Cambridge station and Cambridge south is 1.4 miles from Cambridge station which suggests that both Waterbeach new station and Waterbeach old station both operate in the future.
Respondent 864 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat opposed)
Why not have both? Is the new one for the new builds? It seems very far for current residents, and messes up their day to day schedule
Respondent 865 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat opposed)
Make Waterbeach South and Waterbeach North instead of shutting the old one. New one seems too far for people to get to.
Respondent 866 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Will entail a longer walk to and from my destination in Waterbeach. Daughter bought home in Waterbeach due to proximity of station so we can help with childcare. We no longer have a car so rely on public transport
Respondent 868 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I feel strongly that the existing Waterbeach railway station should not be closed and object strongly to the new town of Waterbeach taking the name of our village both for the new development and the new station. I also object to the fact that there will be much more traffic going through the village to get to the new station.
Respondent 870 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
The newly proposed station is far too far away from the original body of the village. If it were moved to the northern edge of the current village, say at a similar latitude to Bottisham Lock or even the barracks, it could be deemed sensible as it would cater to the entire area equally. This proposal, however, totally neglects "old" Waterbeach in favour of the new development.
Respondent 871 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
It would be a huge loss to the village and greatly increase the volume of traffic through the village, which has already seen a significant increase as a result of the new town being built.
Respondent 872 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
There are too many unknowns to make a considered response. Going by what’s been promised up to now for the new development, the chances of having a new station in place, that is convenient for everyone currently using the existing station by 2028 seems unlikely
Respondent 873 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Closing it is completely unnecessary to build a bew station, it is not significantly closer to the new town to be of use to them and moving it is not in the best interests of the village. It will increase traffic and noise where we live. We do not want it. If you must build the new one leave the old one open too.
Respondent 875 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Are you seriously suggesting — and indeed convinced — that relocating the station would primarily benefit the business interests of the developers of the new part of Waterbeach? If so, it raises a very serious question about whose interests this proposal is actually serving. 🤔
Respondent 878 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
I think having both stations is a compromise.
Respondent 880 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Please keep the station.
Respondent 881 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I am not clear how far it would be to walk and whether there would be a short cut through the village to access.
Respondent 885 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
As a pensioner I am unable to walk long distances, and I have bad knees which means that I cannot use a bicycle, the old station is in walking distance for when I want to go to London for shopping or a show. When the new town was first broached they said it would have no impact on the village, which is utter rubbish, not only are they planning to move the Station, but also the Doctors surgery, both of which are in walking distance for me at present! We were also supposed to decide what the new village was going to be called, but as they apparently asked the children during lockdown, the older village residents who had no children, got no say in what it was called, as I understand it the name was supposed to reflect the proximity to Deny Abbey, but it seems to me that once the application to build is granted, everything is changed to suit the developers!
Respondent 887 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
Every letter or social media post I have seen about this fails to mention up front that the closure will be happening because the station is moving. This didn't mention it until question 17. It is biased and relies on fear mongering.
Respondent 890 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of the existing railway station will unfortunately cause great inconvenience to the residents of the village.
Respondent 891 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Totally disagree with it closing.
Respondent 892 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much in favour)
The new station is more central to both Waterbeach villages.
Respondent 893 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I think it’s incredibly disheartening that the government are considering the closure of Waterbeach train station. The government are supposedly promoting sustainable methods of transport and taking action to reduce climate change and greenhouses gas emissions, but in this case they’re encouraging building a large volume of new houses with new materials on greenfield sites and significantly favouring those who opt to live there, as opposed to the older half of the village which have thrived off the existing train station and local amenities for many many years.
I also have significant concerns on how it might affect house prices and the appeal for investment in the older part of the village, when all decisions seem to favour new builds. I appreciate there is a housing crisis which the government are trying to solve, but why can’t they walk or cycle 2.4km to the train station instead. The existing station isn’t glamorous, but it’s perfectly functional and provides a necessary services to many of the local population. Whom I would anticipate the majority walk to.
We specifically choose to live in Waterbeach due to the walkability to the train station and the necessity for commuting, this service allows us to have 1 car, instead of 2. If the train station was closed, we would likely have to buy a second car.
Respondent 894 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Like many people, a large reason for living in the village is easy access to the main line train station. This will be made increasingly difficult, especially as we get older. The increased distance to the new station will make this much more difficult.
Respondent 895 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The location of the existing railway was a huge deciding factor in my wife and I purchasing our house. We aren't currently a 10minute walk from the station and we use it regularly for work and leisure. Closure of this station will force us to travel further to another station and rely on using cars more frequently. What I am most concerned about is the impact this will have on our house value - likely putting us into negative equity. If this closure goes ahead, I would hope there is compensation provided to residents of the existing village due to the expected impact on our house prices. I have no doubt that other locals will share similar views to this
Respondent 897 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
It's unacceptable that the village should lose such an important asset. It adds salt to the wound after the new town stole the name of the village as well! I make return journeys from the current train station 3 days most weeks. If the station moves, it will be a longer distance from my home and I'm less likely to travel by train. I would find it especially challenging with my young child. We moved here because the station provided a convenient commute to work. I feel very sorry for older people who rely on the station and will struggle to get to/ from it if it moves.
Respondent 899 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I rely heavily on the station to travel and as an individual with disability in sight, closing the station would impact my social life significantly which is quite unfair as I can’t really drive or cycle and it will really shut me down with less connection to my friends.
Respondent 900 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat in favour)
(1) I think it is disingenuous and biassed to call it a 'closure' when what is proposed is actually a relocation.
(2) Having two stations both running makes no sense at all, as half the trains wouldn't stop at one and the other half wouldn't stop at the other, and it would therefore be a nightmare to work out which station to head to to get the next train. At least if the old station closes I'll know to always head to the new station.
Respondent 903 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
My preference is to retain the current station. I would be interested to know how things would work with two stations, the current station and another for the new development.
Respondent 904 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Makes no sense to pay a company to demolish a station that can be left in situ as an extra stop- build a new station north Waterbeach that’s fine but leave the current one
Respondent 905 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Why can we not just add an exstra stop rather than cancel the existing stop ? Like a lot of people moved here due to the walkable train station , why should we now be marooned to service a new site ?
Respondent 907 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much in favour)
It is clear that the new station is closer to the majority of people living in Waterbeach village than the existing station, and that it will have much better facilities. It will be the station of choice. Retaining both stations will result in a degraded service for all users either by increasing journey times or splitting the service between them.
Respondent 908 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
The new station will be much better for me but I wouldn't mind if the original is kept or not.
Respondent 909 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
This survey will give poor results if you don't tell us when the other station will be open and where!
Respondent 910 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I use the current station, it is the life of the village and I woild not use the propsed station. Me and my family use the current station every week. It avoids slow road transport to Cambridge. Instead I will probably get a taxi to Cambridge North or have to get someone to drive me as it is too far to walk with luggage. This is expensive and not envionmentally sound and will increase traffic within the village and on the A10 massively. I chose to live in Waterbeach because of the nearby station. I am not currently able to drive due to health concerns and the station provides me with a local link to Cambridge and Addenbrookes hospital. Many of the people who use the current station do not have access to a car including young people attending sixth form. The only suitable solution is to have both existing and new station and opperate a regular Cambridge South, Cambridge, Cambridge, Waterbeach Village, New Town, Ely frequent service. I am not sure if my previous survey accidently submitted!
Respondent 911 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Walking to the proposed new station from the Village is too far to be viable for most.
There is no car access from Waterbeach Village to Waterbeach New Town without first going north on the A10. If one was added, it would pull in a large number of "rat-runners" along Horningsea Rd, High St and Denny End Road. Hence with or without direct access between the Village and the New Town, traffic along Horningsea Rd, High St and Denny End Rd would increase considerably if the existing station was closed.
I purchased my house because of the train - as did many others. House prices win Waterbeach Village would fall without the station.
Respondent 912 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Moving the station will have a material financial impact on my household
Respondent 913 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
My concern would be if Waterbeach station closed we would have extra traffic coming through the village to park at the new station.
Station parking is expensive, and in my experience there is never enough car parking spaces, which would lead to people will park on the roads which will cause congestion for the local people living here.
I strongly feel that Waterbeach village would benefit from two stations with the new town development taking place.
Respondent 915 (Age: Not stated; View: Very much opposed)
The new station will be too far to walk to so I will revert to using the car for journeys into London and Cambridge.
Respondent 916 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The station is a piece of the village history. It is easily accessible to villagers and those in neighbouring villages. Why spend all that money moving it when it’s perfectly situated where it is.
Respondent 918 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The current station is a ten minute walk from my house. The proposed station will be approx 40 minutes walk
Respondent 922 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I feel strongly that this should not be allowed to happen. This will affect everyone in the bill especially myself and family nearby.
Respondent 923 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I bought the house because it is next to the station, closing the station will decrease the value of the house and increase our usage of the car.
Respondent 924 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Our house value will decrease and my car usage will increase as I will stop using the train. We can keep both station, there are other stations close together. I am very much against closing the station.
Respondent 926 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
When my children were school age they used the station every schoolday 6 per week! in term time) (1985 to 2009)
Once the wating room closed the "bus shelter" type 3 sided areas provided inadequate shelter and the new station is not providing adequate shelters for the fenland location
Respondent 928 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
To use the new station to go to Cambridge I would have to travel in the opposite direction I might as well drive into town
Respondent 929 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I don’t live in Waterbeach but use the station regularly to visit my brother and his family in the town. I visit by train and moving the station would then very much change a short walk to a situation where I’d need to get a taxi or organise transport.
Respondent 930 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Many people have bought a house in Waterbeach specifically for the benefit of being able to walk to the station and get the train to London. Those of us that travel to the station by car need parking facilities nearby. Early starts are often needed and these do not lend themselves to long walks carrying laptops etc prior to starting the working day.
Respondent 931 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Its wrong to take the station further away resulting in increased inconvenience and journey times for those who currently use the existing station.
Why not keep both and satisfy the needs of existing station users as well as providing a facility for the newcomers.
Drop offs/pickups are not easy at the existing station and are likely to be worse at the new site.
Not everyone wishes to travel by bike!
Respondent 933 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Existing railway station has served Waterbeach residents for many years and i see no reason to close the Existing railway which is more accessible to people living in Waterbeach
Respondent 936 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
The new station location would be much more convenient for me and will allow me to actually travel more by train and reduce car journeys. I sympathise with those in the opposite position and wouldn't mind having both stations - though I recognise this may not be very realistic.
Respondent 937 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Live near old station which is easier to walk to and much safer to walk at nighttime,.if i go back to cambridge for a night out. The new station is too far to walk with my disability and not safe enough to walk that far at nighttime
Bus stop running at certain time at night.
The old station is better for me, and elderly, also young females specially at nighttime.
Dark mornings & nights are coming soon .
Think about people's safety.
Respondent 940 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I use the train station on a daily bases, my sons both use the train station for school.
So when it moves it means I will be driving to and from the station 6 times a day Monday to Friday, as we all travel at different times.
It's a joke that They want us to use our car less and we have due to the train station and now they are removing the station that will force us to use our car.
Respondent 941 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I strongly object to the proposal to close Waterbeach railway station.
It seems fundamentally unfair that the existing village of Waterbeach should lose its railway station in order to provide rail access to the new housing development. The new development is being created in addition to the existing community; it should not be at the expense of infrastructure that the existing residents already rely upon.
If the objective is to provide sustainable transport for the growing population of Waterbeach, surely the solution should be to provide a station that serves both the existing village and the new development, rather than moving the benefit from one community to another.
Closing the existing station would particularly disadvantage residents who currently have convenient access to rail travel, including people who do not have access to a car, older residents, young people and those who rely on public transport for commuting, education, healthcare and other essential journeys. It could also encourage greater car use, which seems completely at odds with the stated aims of sustainable development and reducing congestion and emissions.
The existing community should not be expected to give up an established and valuable piece of transport infrastructure simply because the area is expanding. New housing should bring investment in additional infrastructure and improved connectivity, not result in existing residents losing theirs.
I therefore believe that the plans should be reconsidered, with serious consideration given to retaining the existing Waterbeach station while providing an appropriate station or transport solution for the new development. Both existing and future residents deserve good, sustainable access to rail services.
Growth in Waterbeach should mean better transport provision for everyone, not taking a station away from one part of the community to serve another.
It there are concerns about slowing the service down, the train could alternate stopping at each of the stations.
Respondent 943 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I use the train station for school as my school is near the Cambridge train station. It will be very inconvenient for my parents if the station moves as they will have to take me to the new station and pick me up.
I also use the station to go into Cambridge to socialise as I have a season ticket and I can't afford to keep paying for the bus a couple of times a week on top. Moving the station will effect me in so many ways. I go to a hairdressers near Cambridge station, as it doesn't inconvenience my parents them having to take me, I can just hop on the train and go.
Respondent 944 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I expect in the next two years to start commuting to work by train so access to either station would be great. With the size of the new town and any further developments two stations would support this and help keep cars off the road.
Respondent 945 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of the station would heavily affect some of my family members, either in [sign-off removed] to work, or other obligatory activities
Respondent 948 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
Removing the old Waterbeach train station is inconsiderate to those who purchased/ rented properties to be a train station due to mobility needs. The new train station is alot further for me to walk and restricts my options. My school is in the city centre as it's the only school that can meet my needs (echp). I understand why the new train station is being proposed but don't agree with removing or reducing the service to the current station.
Respondent 950 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Currently within walking distance, concerned it will be too far.
Respondent 952 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I think the developers stole the village name of Waterbeach ( we are not Waterbeach Village) solely to be able to retain the Waterbeach Station name and make it's relocation easier
Respondent 953 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Whilst I personally don’t currently use the train often, I envisage using it far more regularly as I get older and the other three members of my household have used it daily for essential travel to work/school
Respondent 957 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
If the idiots from Greater Cambridge Partnership came to see how many people actually use the Waterbeach Station, they would see how bonkers it is !
Respondent 958 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
We are pleased with access to the existing station especially the delivery to Addenbrooks via rail and guided bus. Closure will cause me problems
Respondent 959 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It would be a benefit to everyone who lives in Waterbeach & uses the train, to keep the existing station, as well as building a new station to serve the new housing development.
Respondent 960 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The old station is a life line. It took so many years fir the council to extend the platform so that we have more trains stopping at Waterbeach - just yo face it being closed. I personally won't be able to compute to work any longer and will just apply for benefits.
Respondent 961 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Waste of money when they could upgrade the current station
Respondent 962 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
The proposed new station would currently increase traffic from Landbeach/Milton along the A10.
Respondent 964 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I moved to Waterbeach from Horningsea six yesrs ago to be near the Waterbeach railway station
Respondent 965 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Please dont shut the waterbeach railway station. Its very useful for us. We moved here mainly because of station is close yo our house. We are going yo work every day in train. Please dont make this more difficult. Thanks
Respondent 967 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Maintaining access to the existing station is recommended to minimize travel requirements. In light of the new development plan, we anticipate significant congestion at the new station, making the continued availability of the original facility highly advantageous.
Respondent 968 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I think it’s a very selfish view to close Waterbeach village station in favour of the new proposed Waterbeach town station. Perhaps the trains could stop alternately at the village station and the new town station.
Respondent 970 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It will be a shame if it’s moved. We have lived in waterbeach for over 40 years and the convenience of the station being where it is has kept us living here for this amount of time. When I was working I used the train daily to get to and from work and now that I’m retired I use it for pleasure.
Respondent 971 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach station is more accessible than the proposed new station would be - as it has no steps to the platforms, it is accessible by default, whereas the new station will require adjustments (lifts) to make the platforms accessible for wheelchair or pram users. I regularly need to take both bikes and prams on the train - the proposed new station will be less suitable for this.
Respondent 972 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Im not clear on what the links to the new station will be from waterbeach
Respondent 973 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Please ensure the timing is coordinated so that the current station remains open and operational until the new station is ready for use. And that those travelling to new station from South have easy and equal access by car as currently.
Respondent 975 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Your survey presumes that you all ways take return journeys in fact this not the case.
Is this literally a tick box exercise as we all know from experience with the new town development the decisions have already been made.
Could we now look at how we benefit from this with direct footpaths etc to the new station from the old village
Respondent 977 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Very bad proposal
Respondent 978 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The proposal would significantly restrict access to public transport for those living in Waterbeach, particularly the elderly who currently are able to walk to the station.
Respondent 979 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
My moving the station a lot of people would no longer be able to travel via train.
Respondent 980 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The station is very well used and closure would impact the current residents of Waterbeach greatly. Most people would have to travel further to a station in a field. I personally would stop using the train and it would impact my social life significantly. I attend a dance class in Cambridge as well as other activities and would have to reconsider whether I went. It does feel that the residents of the village are not being considered and are losing lots of facilities to the new development.
It may have helped if the Parish Council had opposed the use of the name Waterbeach for the new town, then it wouldn't appear as though Waterbeach had 2 stations.
Even if we just had a local shuttle train running between say Ely and Cambridge or Cambridge South stopping at the current station and we had to change to go to London, that would be better than nothing. There are places with stations closer together than the ones in Waterbeach.
Respondent 981 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The development of the new town has given little or nothing to the village and now it is proposed to take away our railway station.
Respondent 982 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Increased services from the new station would offset the increased distance for me to travel to the new station.
Respondent 983 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Don’t waste money getting rid of something we already have
Respondent 984 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Pedestrian approach to the current Waterbeach station wasn't great (narrow pavements on Station Road, need to cross from one side to other on Way Lane due to pavements not being continuous both sides). So if issues like that can be avoided in the approach to the station that would help. Some people have been arguing for keeping both old and new stations open, which seems like a reasonable compromise if practical, and fairer on those who currently live closest to the existing station who will actually be the furthest from the new one.
Respondent 985 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Important one station is open at all times
Respondent 986 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It seems ridiculous to me that, in an area like Cambridgeshire, where thousands of homes have been approved over the past decades and even more in the future, reducing public transport is even being considered. Various councils are spending money on cycle ways and bridges to get people out of their cars, and somehow the irony of simultaneously reducing ways for people to travel without a car seems to be lost. Profit driven and nothing to do with sustainability .
Respondent 988 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It seams the "new town" is sucking all the resourses from the village and the village is getting a very raw deal.
Respondent 990 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
I'm unsure if I'd use the new station. It's hard to see from the plans whether the extra walking distance is small or significant. If significant, I'd be much less likely to use it.
Respondent 991 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I know it would be inconvenient for some people, but I don’t think the current location is very good in terms of access for much of the village and people travelling to the station from other villages. I worry about the security of the car park and do not cycle as I don’t want to leave my bike there. I am assuming that the new station will improve on these features. The new station won’t be much different for me in terms of distance.
Respondent 994 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I can walk to the current station. The new station is too far away to walk. Just as the opening of Cambridge South makes access to Addenbrooke’s Hospital easier, the proposed closure makes it more difficult again. People who have lived in the village are being unfairly disadvantaged.
Respondent 996 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Please don’t close this station. More of my family live in Waterbeach and use this service. For them to them to not have this station would make travel more difficult.
Respondent 997 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I would be so upset to lose the much appreciated railway station. We need it to be kept open along with the new station. In a few years time there will be a great demand for both.
Respondent 998 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Keep em both
Respondent 999 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I think the village doesn't need two train station and no need to build a second one, just keep the old train station and spend the money on something else.
Respondent 1000 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I’m not sure the proposed move adds much as it’s still at edge of new town. The distance to new is about same for us as existing. Traffic to existing is not easy as station road only also one side of road to be used so I can see some advantages if access to new station is improved
Respondent 1001 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I believe this will cause chaos in the mornings as many commuters would have to pass by the primary school in order to reach the new station and many more people will have to drive/be dropped off in order to get there. In general it will significantly increase traffic down Bannold Road, which is already in a terrible state of disrepair, and the surrounding streets and I imagine people will start parking on these streets in order to reach the new station. What will happen to the current station and car park if it is closed, will it just be left to become derelict and an eyesore right next to the river and Cow Hollow Woods?
Respondent 1003 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I stand to massively benefit from the new station being significantly closer. I therefore don't anticipate making journeys to or from the existing station, but I appreciate the inconvenience caused to other village members.
Respondent 1004 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
It's extremely important to maintain the presence of a railway station in waterbeach. So long as there is one, and that a new one open before the old is closed, I'm in favour. There definitely should not be two stations in the village
Respondent 1008 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Why close a perfectly good and well used station? With the amount of people we hope will use the station(s) in the future there is room for both of them. Not every train has to stop at every station.
Respondent 1009 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The proposed closure of the existing Waterbeach station has made me feel upset. It is currently very convenient for me to get to the train station on foot for my commute to work in Cambridge. I would like the train station to stay in its existing place. We have bought a house in Waterbeach based on a location of this train station as I commute to work by train.
Respondent 1011 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The local residents have been poorly updated of the development and closure of train stations in the local area.
Respondent 1012 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
Current station is walk-able from Landbeach in about 30 minutes - proposed new one is NOT so that stops being an option.
Respondent 1013 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
It makes no sense to move the rail station to the new Waterbeach town when barely anyone lives there, and it will affect the people that actually live in Waterbeach. If people have to walk for 30min to take the train, when they only had to walk 5-10min before, they will end up driving and the A10 will end up even with more traffic
Respondent 1014 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
Some people will have bought homes within easy walking distance of the present station. If the station is closed, the new station may not be within easy walking distance for them.
Respondent 1015 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of the existing train station will mean that I will no longer be able to use the train to travel to my usual place of work, the Science Park, and will instead have to drive.
The proposed new station will not be accessible to people living in Waterbeach, and it could be many years before it becomes genuinely useful to residents of the new development. There is also a risk, as has happened with other developments, that construction of the new development could stall or stop altogether. In that scenario, the new station could end up serving neither the existing Waterbeach community nor the proposed new development.
Closing the existing station will therefore have an immediate and counterproductive consequence: many people, myself included, will be forced to rely more heavily on cars. This will increase car use and traffic, rather than encouraging people to use public transport.
Respondent 1016 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I am strongly opposed to the closure of the station. The new station will not adequately serve the residents of Waterbeach and will make our use of train travel more difficult/time consuming to access. Whereas currently I would prioritise using the train for local journeys where possible e.g. to Cambridge stations including Cambridge South for Addenbrookes and to Ely, the fact that I would have to drive to access the new station means I will just do the whole journey by car instead as it will be quicker and easier.
Respondent 1017 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The closure of the station will be an utter hammer blow to the businesses operating in Waterbeach village. The new station is an utter and wanton waste of money that will severely damage businesses, offer no new services (even a toilet), include a route that people drive dangerously fast through, and require funding from outside the developer of the airfield even though they are the only ones who want it moved, achieve approval based on taking on the costs and have since decided they no longer wish to find this themselves. Frankly this conversation should not even be taking place. The existing station is more than fit for purpose and there is no tactical benefit to closing it other than to benefit development companies who have no interest in either the village or in meeting their obligations to fund the new station despite having agreed to do so.
Respondent 1018 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I don’t drive and walk a longer distance to the new station with be a problem
Respondent 1019 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I think with the growth of Cambridge, Waterbeach and the surrounding area we need all the railway stations available to get people into Cambridge and out of their cars. Closing the station would be a mistake and result in more car journeys and more congestion which would disadvantage people living in the local area.
Respondent 1021 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
We understand a new station is needed. Closing the current station would change how many peoples lives in a negative way.
I think it’s so important we make people’s mental health a priority and not money. For some people this is an absolute life line and if decision maker really put them selves in others shoes it would be the most helpful thing.
Thank you for doing this
Respondent 1023 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
It would be a great loss. we live in a computer age; the station would remain easy and cheap to run.
Respondent 1025 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Keep the old Waterbeach station open for residents in the original village. The new proposed station is too far away and very inconvenient for people that already live in Waterbeach.
Respondent 1026 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
I would prefer the old station to stay open as it is closer to my house and very easy to travel to, but I understand that the new proposed location will be closer to more village residents. I also think the infrastructure at the current station needs improving (e.g. for pedestrian safety crossing the track) which would be delivered by a new station, so I see that as a positive too. If the current station closes I will still use the train to get to work as I work in London twice per week, but I will be more likely to get the bus instead of the train into Cambridge at weekends as the bus stop is closer and easier to get to with my kids.
Respondent 1028 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Recently I found out that there will be no direct connection between Waterbeach New Town and new railway station an i’ll need to use a10 anyway. I don’t see a benefit for changing the station place without better connection from new town
I don’t want to use a bike because there are to many bike thefts and no one will find or reimburse me for the stolen bike. It’s safer and cheaper to use a car than buying a bike every now and then
Respondent 1031 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The current station is a critical resource for the community of Waterbeach. Planners, councils and developers have run rough shod over the existing community. It’s time Waterbeach took back control of its name and destiny, keeping the station in integral to this.
Respondent 1032 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Family members regularly visit me from Ely and London. Since the revamped bus route I can no longer travel to Ely or Milton on the bus. The train will not help with travel to Milton, but certainly does help to get to Ely - for visiting family, opticians, shopping etc All this will be adversely affected by the closure of the current station. We will be even more isolated.
Respondent 1033 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
The proposed closing of Waterbeach village rail station is yet another step in the process of removing all facilities from the VILLAGE. Having effectively closed the bus service to ELY from Waterbeach (and Milton) it is the only viable way for anyone with mobility problems to travel to Ely. Friends and family frequently use the line and station to visit us.
Respondent 1035 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much in favour)
I can’t see any reason to keep the old station. It’s in a stupid place and serves a minority of the village. A new station between The old and new towns is far superior.
I do however strongly object to the access being via Cody road. There are new roundabout being built on the a10 and the opportunity for a purpose built link road. Adding traffic to the annington estate and the associated anti social parking is clearly of benefit to the new town only. Build a proper access and carpark to intercept traffic coming south down the a10 and minimse the impact on the road s through the village which are already congested at rush hour
Respondent 1036 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Should keep both stations open
Respondent 1038 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The change would make rail travel less attractive because it would change the journey to the station from a walk to a car ride. Bad news for older people who don't cycle. Bad for the environment. Wasteful of resources already deployed at WBC station.
Respondent 1040 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
We moved to this area, specifically for its convenient location to the train station by walking distance. I think there are plenty people who rely on the walk as well to/back from the train station
Respondent 1042 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It is totally unfair if you close the original station. If you close it you will increase traffic on the a10 which is almost at a standstill currently. You are building lots of new houses so you need 2 stations
Respondent 1044 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Firstly, there is the principal of us local residents of what is now Waterbeach Village-formerly Waterbeach having an established station and to have this taken away from us local residents with some living here for many many years and facilitating newcomers with many moving in to the new town having the convenience of a station close to them seems somewhat unfair totally.
Secondly, I am 73 and feel it will be time soon to hang up my driving gloves and as age brings often ill health I envisage attending the Addenbrooks Hospital for various clinics and other medical departments so walking to the current Waterbeach station and boarding a train to the said hospital would be so convenient.
I just feel the newcomers should be the ones to be inconvenienced or at least let both parties have a station, Waterbeach as it is and one for the new town and I have no objections to the additional one now currently under construction being built so long as we have the original one still in use.
THANK YOU for giving me the chance to air my views!!
[sign-off removed]. 3. Whittons Park, Waterbeach Village.
Respondent 1045 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
This station is well used by the people have been living in the village for years. i understand you've built new homes and if you wnt to build a sustainable nearer to these then so be it but there's no need to close this one which is operational and functional..
Respondent 1046 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
It’s a fixture of our village our village has character, history and it’s unfair to take away something that is so valuable to us all here
Respondent 1047 (Age: Not stated; View: Very much opposed)
The current Waterbeach station is an integral part of our village and residents living in the village will be hugely disadvantaged by its closure. Traffic having to make its way to the new station will result in greater carbon emissions. Many people who currently walk will have to drive there. The existing station serves the village superbly and is completely fit for purpose. It should remain open.
Respondent 1055 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
Please don’t close the station!
Respondent 1056 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I’m disappointed by the lack of car access to the new station from the old town.
Respondent 1059 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Why not keep existing station as well as the proposed station.
Respondent 1062 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The existing station is very accessible for me to walk, if I went to the new proposed station I would have to get in my car. It seems Waterbeach Village are becoming less and less considered in preference to the new Waterbeach development.
Respondent 1063 (Age: 45-59; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Given the fact the plans are vague right now this doesn’t seem like the fairest time to ask for people’s opinions. I am neither opposed or in favour partly because I do not know all the detail and am unsure of the benefits or implications the new station will bring.
Respondent 1066 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Although you state the new station is close, I am sure that it will be further than you state, and I will not be able to walk as I can to the existing station. I will have to use my car to get there and no doubt you will charge for parking.
Respondent 1067 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Getting my disabled son to the new station will be very difficult without walking and allowing for extra time. The paths are not great in the existing village.
Respondent 1068 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Parking at the current station is limited, so a location within my walking distance is attractive. Parking at the proposed site would be expensive, add additional driving costs and, if it follows the Cambridge North station model, would probably involve a long walk to the station from the car park.
I am a heavy train user, but even after university, am on a very low wage. This would therefore be difficult.
Train travel is already challenging as services are unreliable, crowded, expensive and often lack appropriate temperature control, seating, cleanliness and personal space (important for neurodiverse individuals). Adding additional stressors maybe a problem for some.
The proposed station is too far away to be a realistic option, as it would add time and cost to the working day.
I would instead drive to work, work commitments and social events.
Respondent 1070 (Age: 16-17; View: Very much opposed)
The closure would be rather inconvenient for me and the many other people who have always used the old station for many reasons, the first one being that the new station is located a lot further. For people like me who take the train for college, or other education, the daily walks we'd have to take would be more difficult and tiring, which would affect our education and energy levels. As a result, this would limit our ability and time available to study at home. Furthermore, not everyone has a car to access at all times to be driven to the station, so if we were running late or tired, we would miss the train more often, leading to tardiness at school or work. To conclude, I am opposed to the closure and relocation of Waterbeach Railway Station due to the inconvenience it would cause to the majority of the locals.
Respondent 1071 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I am disabled and can only walk limited distances. I would have to stop work if the Waterbeach station site closed.
I have lived in the village for over 30 years. The proximity of the train station was one of the reasons we chose to live her, as I work full time in a managerial role in Addenbrookes Hospital.
I manage my condition well, but could not work if the station was moved.
I know this is a generalisation, but North Waterbeach is a new build area with many younger people who could walk further than us long term established villagers.
Please do not close the station.
Respondent 1072 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I work as a doctor in London and other places. Travelling by trains means I am not so exhausted when I arrive or return. If I had to use my car to get to another station, it would challenging to factor in the additional, parking stress, lack of certainty of finding a car parking space, and driving while extremely tired after a 14-16hr standard clinical day. I would have to move closer.
The station was recently refurbished so it seems a waste to not use it.
In my opinion, it would be better to keep the station as currently situated.
Respondent 1073 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Why not two Waterbeach stations? Just like three in Cambridge?
Respondent 1074 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
No need to abandon a perfectly good train station - especially when you have just spend lots of money upgrading the platform to take 8 carriages.
Respondent 1077 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I feel it is an injustice for the residents of Waterbeach to loose a very much used station. If it was not well used I would see the closure differently. Many residents are currently able to walk to the station but moving it a mile away from the village many would find it difficult and very inconvenient. They would have to drive to the new station presuming there would be adequate parking. I feel the residents of the New Town are being considered more that the residents of Waterbeach. I would like to see both stations in operation even if it meant a slightly reduced service.
Respondent 1079 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I appreciate that the correct word “closure” is used in this survey. The GCP “relocation” rhetoric is inaccurate and intended to obfuscate their planned removal of well-used public transport infrastructure - in a growth area - at a time when they claim to want to reduce private car usage. The closure of (proper) Waterbeach station will cause those with cars to use them instead, and those without cars to be left at the mercy of unreliable private bus services that have no contractual service level.
Respondent 1081 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Do the buses run upto and including the last train stopping at the station after 12am.
Respondent 1082 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
We will use the train to go to Addenbrookes at Cambridge South, now that has opened. As we get older and in winter months it will be more difficult to walk the distance to the new station, so we may have to drive there.
Respondent 1085 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
We could keep both. Stations in other places are very close.
Respondent 1087 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
We’re really opposed to the plan to close the station. It would make an already long commute into London for work significantly longer and have a real negative impact on our family life.
Respondent 1088 (Age: Under 16; View: Very much opposed)
I am 10 years old and I go to school in Ely. The only way I can go to School is on the train with my friends. My parents say I won’t be able to walk to the new station because it is too far and not safe to walk with my friends so they will have to drive me every day to that station or my School and other mums and dads will have to do the same. I really like our station, it’s nice and I feel safe walking through my Village to get to it. I don’t think it’s fair that our Village has to lose something lots of people use just because somewhere new once a bigger one. I really hope that we can keep our station and I hope I can keep going to school from it and visiting my friends in Ely and Cambridge.
Respondent 1091 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Spend the money on the existing train station instead. Train station only moved to try to sell new waterbeach site homes as the A10 link was not a selling point . No thought given to people who moved into the village for train links . Total waste of tax payers money Most going to boycott new station so won’t be used as much as they think
Respondent 1093 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I use the train for mainly leisure to go to Ely, London, Cambridge and Stansted airport. I would use it to go to Addenbrookes hospital if I had an appointment there. The exisying station is walking distance from my home. I would not drive to the station or cycle to the station. I would be concerned with my bike being stollen which happens a lot. I have no idea whether I would use the new station as I haven’t seen the planned walking route! Is it a safe walk? I can’t say I feel it will be safe for me to walk by myself in the dark. From my house to our existing station is safe through the village. I’m not sure about your questions about use of car! I use my car to go to places the train nor bus will take me.
If the train moved it would make a big difference to my day and evening social interaction and would make these easy to do travels more difficult.
This new development is slowing taking from our village, first the name and now the station…. What’s next ☹️
Respondent 1094 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
The extra distance I would have to walk to the new Waterbeach station from where I live is negligible.
I consider it a bit ludicrous that people are petitioning for the old station to remain open. Nowhere in the village is going to be that far away from the new station, and ride your bike if you really can't walk it.
Making a Waterbeach north and south will add extra time when travelling and is really unnecessary for what is still a village.
Respondent 1095 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The new station would be too far for me to walk or cycle, so if the old one were to close, I would need to drive into Cambridge and travel from the Cambridge North station. It doesn't make sense to add all this extra traffic to the area around Cambridge North station when there's already a station in Waterbeach.
Respondent 1096 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The station is a vital amenity for the village. Moving it over 2 km North will result in a journey to the new station that will take significantly longer and will be much further away. Having just extended the platform at the current station at significant cost, why waste that money by closing it? Residents also deserve to see the economic/ financial case for any such decision.
Respondent 1097 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat in favour)
Happy for the move to take place if the new station has better passenger facilities than the old one . All season waiting rooms , good platform lighting , covered ticket machines secure bike parking .
Respondent 1099 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I very much think that 2 stations are needed in waterbeach as the population is set to quadruple over the next few years and the roads will struggle with the extra traffic. Waterbeach covers approx 9 square miles and a large percentage of people cannot or do not want to cycle.
Respondent 1100 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat in favour)
I think the village has too many NIMBYs who make a huge fuss over nothing, and also people who paid £50k more for a house closer to the station and are now sore losers.
Respondent 1101 (Age: 18-29; View: Somewhat opposed)
Old station location will be more convenient for the existing village. New station location may be more convenient for the new developement. The station will be however be isolated until waterbeach new town east is complete.
Respondent 1102 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
The current location is very convenient and the distance from the car park is short. Returning at night I only have a short drive home.
Respondent 1103 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Do not close this station
Respondent 1104 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Don’t do it. Please.
Respondent 1105 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Leave the original station open alongside the new station to cater for more people and get the cars off the road!
Respondent 1109 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Although personally it's easier and quicker to walk to the old station, I tend to agree that overall for the wider community and surrounding communities it makes sense to have a single station in Waterbeach.
Respondent 1110 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
Please do not close it 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Respondent 1112 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The proposed closure is excessively unfair on all those regular commuters who have made their house purchase choices (and in some cases paid a premium to be near to the station) with the aim of protecting the environment and using sustainable transport. Not least it will undoubtedly lead to negative environmental effects when those commuters will no longer be able to rely on rail travel. The closure would result in less sustainable travel modes, longer journeys, possible job changes or relocation. Its one thing adding new stations but this should be considered in the context of retaining the existing ones, not replacing.
The proposed closure is in controvention of latest policies and the recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework August 2026, which include a presumption towards development 'within walking distance of a well-connected station' or 'well-related to the station or the settlement within which the station is located'. NPPF 2026 Policies S5, h i. / ii. and GB7h i. / ii. refer, supported by density policy L3, 2c. The definition of well-connected station relates to Railway stations and underground, tram and light rail stops located within a top 80 Travel to Work Area. Cambridge is circa 10th in the hierarchy and through the Cambridge Development Corporation is indicated as an area of proposed growth. Similarly the various development organisations are activiely devising new transport corridors into Cambridge and the new Draft Local Plan actively supports sustainable transport and proximity to stations. With that backdrop it would seem completely counterintuitive to propose closure of Waterbeach station.
It is currently unclear what the impact would be to make an additional stop at the existing waterbeach station in % terms of the existing journeys and to what extent this has been considered, or the compensation that would be paid to existing residents / commuters, or free parking that would be offered at the new waterbeach station for those having to drive to the station and park at the village side of the New Waterbeach station car park (having driven 2.4km in the opposite direction for those travelling to London).
Respondent 1116 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The current location is very convenient for us and was part of our reasoning when buying this house. We travel frequently by train. My job moves around but will be based at Addenbrookes in the future and I would commute by train every day in that situation which would be much more difficult if the current station were to close.
Respondent 1118 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I am a young girl who uses the train to get to Cambridge for education. I would not feel safe at night having to walk 2.4km to the new station, if the old one closed. Someone would have to come get me to ensure I was safe, and that’s not good for the environment because of the petrol usage
Respondent 1119 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
Maintaining two stations will logically make travel more expensive, we should prioritise cheaper travel above all else.
The new station will be closer for around 50% of the current village, whereas the existing station is closer for the other 50%, the new station will also have more facilities and parking which will ease non-locals parking on station road which causes problems for cars travelling along there.
Respondent 1122 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat opposed)
Why close it. It is easy to get to for people out of the village. Also the platforms were extended not so long ago to enable the long the trains to stop easily. What a waste of money if you close it.
Respondent 1123 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Will there be a direct link to the new station from the A10 or will it be coming through the waterbeach village a long Bannold ?
Respondent 1124 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I live 5 mins walk from waterbeach village station. I absolutely oppose the closure of this vital station. My vision is failing and being able to walk this short distance as it becomes worse will be a lifeline. We purchased our house due to ots distance to the train and paid . a premium for it. Moving the station will devalue our house. We MUST keep this station open even if the Waterbeach town one is built. It only adds 2 minutes journey time from people coming from kings lynn. But closing our station and opening the new one instead 2.4km away will be a disgrace!
Respondent 1125 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
we only need a bigger car park, other than that a new station building is waste of finances for the nation
Respondent 1127 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
To be fair it will be more beneficial to me in using the new waterbeach station in the future because its much closer to my home. I am looking forward to use this new station in few years time.
Respondent 1128 (Age: 75 or older; View: Somewhat in favour)
I firmly believe that there should be 2 stations to best serve the needs of our expanding village/town.
Respondent 1130 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I can see no reason why the current station at Waterbeach should be closed once the new one is built and opened. Why were the platforms at Waterbeach extended a few years ago only to have the station closed in the near future?
Respondent 1131 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach station opened 1845. Not only is it part of our history, it is essential to keep it open for the mental health and well being of all people who use it. It is used by many everyday as transport to work, education, holidays, trips out and relatives/friends who visit family members/friends living in the village who chose their property due to the location of the station. It is a disgrace that Waterbeach residents are being treated as second class citizens and expected to bow down to the greed of developers who think its acceptable to inconvenience Waterbeach residents. The planned houses are not expected to be built for years, so a new station will "sit" in a field funded by public money, instigated by greed and financial manipulation. The station had substantial platform lengthening work at considerable cost to accommodate the numbers of passengers who use the station and that should be respected as to why we need longer trains stopping at our station.
We live in Waterbeach, not Waterbeach Village. Waterbeach is mentioned in the Doomsday Book 1086, but developers with a "financial agenda" arrogantly think they can change 11th Century history. KEEP WATERBEACH STATION OPEN, there is zero necessity to close it.
Respondent 1132 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Passengers arriving at the village station need facilities before entering the village for any purpose
Respondent 1133 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It would be a waste of money to create another station when the current one is working perfectly well. The new station is also much further from the village than the current one.
Respondent 1134 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Not a regular commuter but the existing station is very convenient for starting journeys by train especially from Horningsea. The station exists, only recently were the platforms extended so a retrograde step to close.
Respondent 1135 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I often visit local businesses in the village on the way to and from the station, which im unlikely to do if it closes
Respondent 1136 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
If path from new Waterbeach station is like the one from Milton park & ride to Landbeach, i definitely wouldn't feel safe using it even in daylight let alone on evening commute
Respondent 1137 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I can not think why you can't keep the old station open why should we be made to tbere are those who have mobiety isures and can not to walk or cycle also if cathing the train to
Longer jouneys and having to change stations
Respondent 1138 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
It is outrageous that this is even being proposed.
A growing community needs more public transport not less!!
It will be economic and environmental suicide if the station closes. Safety will also be massively reduced as more people drive there, past the school where children are at both entrances.
The GCP should be ashamed to propose this!!
I hope the Parish Council will work night and day to stop this happening.
Respondent 1139 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
Any disruption (temporary closures to the service as one station closes and the other opens will be highly disruptive to us and our ability to get to work
Respondent 1140 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The station at Waterbeach is a lifeline for the people of Waterbeach for many years and is used frequently. I don't see why the village should be disadvantaged by the new station at Waterbeach Town so I support keeping Waterbeach village Station open.
Respondent 1141 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Closure of the existing Waterbeach Station (Waterbeach Village or WV) and relocating all services to Waterbeach New Town (WNT) is a short sighted and ill-conceived idea.
At a time when we should be encouraging widespread train & public transport usage the closure of Waterbeach Village station would remove key hygiene factors for using trains such as convenience, safety, accessibility and door to door-to-door time. Instead closure of WV station creates barriers to rail use.
1. The new station significantly increases “door to door time” for village residents which detracts from the convenience of train travel. This is particularly impactful for the end of the day “return” journey given the appalling reliability and stress inducing conditions of the GN services. The existing walk home can be wearisome until the familiarity of St Johns church or the village green come into sight. A much longer trek would be soul sapping.
2. The remoteness and distance of WNT station from the village and existing WV station introduces additional hassle and inconvenience in getting to and from the station. It will increase the need for drop offs and pick-ups thus generating additional traffic through the Village.
3. The walking route to WNT station is less safe than the existing pedestrian route between Village and WV Station. The existing route runs directly past houses, is well lit, is next to a busy road and passes past multiple churches and busy village amenities. You do not feel alone. Help and assistance is nearby. It feels safe especially in winter, late at night (00.27 arrival) and early morning (06.26 departure).
4. By contrast the significantly longer walking route to WNT will be starker, desolate and more isolated. The slow build and even slower rate of sales of properties in WNT mean that the route will not gain a critical mass of activity and community to generate the sense of safety that exists with WV station.
5. Cycling is NOT a viable alternative from Village to WNT Station, especially for our household as we get older, wobblier and cannot use bikes.
6. We fear that inappropriate “cycle, e-bike and e-scooter” solutions will be put in place by GCP which will adversely impact the “pedestrian experience” increasing the discomfort surrounding an already longer, less convenient, less safe walk to the station.
7. An environment of unfettered e-bike and e-scooter usage through a ghost town will also increase antisocial behaviour and crime. Again, discouraging the “walk to the station.”
8. GCP have indicated WNT station will be up and running in 2028 and the existing WV station will be closed immediately. This unfairly places the burden on existing rail users and villagers who will continue to significantly outnumber WNT residents for many years. (At present WNT only has circa 75 house occupied from 200 built.)
9. Until such time as WNT is a fully functioning community (say 2036) BOTH stations should be in operation. Usage of WV station can then be assessed against an established WNT station. The supporting services such as drop off & pick up, together with the bus services should be up and running to encourage new rail users to try WNT and make WNT a “destination” to travel to.
10. Car parking and drop off and waiting without the fear of ANPR fines and complex privatised parking solutions will be essential at the WNT new station as there will be more “drop off & pick-up” traffic. A Cambridge South “car hostile” solution CANNOT be allowed if increased train usage is to be encouraged.
11. Retention of the existing WV Station eases the burden of traffic through the village, A10 and WNT and provides additional car parking for commuters from surrounding villages.
12. If buses are part of the solution, then they must be frequent, coordinated with rail services, run 7 days a week from before the first service and until well past the arrival of the last service with enough contingency built into the timetable for delays.
Respondent 1142 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
The existing Waterbeach station is an essential life line for those of us who live in the village and surrounding villages and are unable to walk a further mile to a new station. The proposed new station would add significant time to my journey and will restrict my ability to use public transport for work, visiting elderly family, attending hospital appointments and living a life of basic needs as I move into retirement.
1/ I am not able to ride a bike so cycling is not an option for me.
2/ I do not have regular access to a suitable car to drive every day and I am not able to afford the additional petrol or the car park fees to drive.
3/ Rural bus services are infrequent and will never match to the train times (recent and frequent delays on the line will mean any new bus service will not wait for delayed trains so I will end up trying to walk and/ or pay for a taxi which I can not afford.
4/ I am VERY concerned about the safety of any walk from the new station. I feel the representative from GCP at the Waterbeach Consultation did not take my concerns seriously with his references to my "perceptions of safety" rather than acknowledging the reality of my concerns. He appears to believe that, as there would be street lighting, there should be no safety concerns. However, my reality is, my walk from the existing station to my home in the village is along a road lined both sides by occupied housing with others also walking. My reality is also, as the nights draw in each year, streets are dark in the morning and evening on my walk to/from the station. Once, after a train delay, I was forced to start the walk from Cambridge North (also a new station with apparent lighting and buildings around). However, outside office hours, these buildings are deserted, the area was desolate and I truly felt very unsafe. Given the slow moving movement of sales on the houses built so far in the New Town I fear it will be a decade before the walk from the new station feels safe for me.
5/ My aged and/or disabled family members rely on the existing Waterbeach station to visit me from their homes in other parts of the country and most are just able to make the short walk from the existing station to my home in the village. I fear that, without adequate and frequent public transport (frequent shuttle buses from the new station) they will be unable to visit me (or me them) so we will not be able to care for each other in a way that we are now, forcing additional social costs on to the local councils.
6/ If you do start regular shuttle buses, this may help access to the new station but may well have the unintended consequences of blocking the already congested and potholed village roads, particularly during school runs and delivery vans.
7/ I understand from GCP that the new station is planned to open and running from 2028, at which time the existing station will immediately close. This will place an onerous burden on existing rail users and villagers who, for the foreseeable future, outnumber the tiny population of the New Town which, to date, has only 200 houses built with around 75 occupied. Most of the current occupants either drive/cycle to work at local business parks and do not use the existing station. Surely it would make more commercial and community sense to keep the existing station open operating both stations (or waiting to open the new station) until there was a sufficiently functioning community in the New Town using the new station. This would allow a proper assessment and business case for usage and future requirements.
8/ The Cambridge area is by nature a "car hostile" so making the new car park expensive and the drop off points subject to ANPR fines will discourage drivers to the new station and may have the unintended negative consequences of drivers seeking free parking in Waterbeach village and clogging up the already conjested and pot holed roads.
The existing plans and timings do not make economic or community sense.
Respondent 1143 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Old station much more accessible for people with prams/luggage/bikes as no stairs or slow lifts required.
New station is a similar distance to old one as Cambridge South is from Cambridge - why close the old one? Makes no sense
Respondent 1144 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Although the new station is closer to me, my opposition, for many reasons, is primarily due to the main access road bringing traffic down Cody road in-front of my house. I also believe it would mean traffic chaos through the village.
Respondent 1145 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Should be 2 stops Waterbeach one and Waterbeach two cause lot of people Needs the railway service
Respondent 1146 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
Don't close it! It'd be a massive hit to quality of life for those of us who live near it!
Respondent 1147 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Why should the village lose its station esp after millions being spend to extend platform.
New town could walk or cycle to exsisting station. Money would be better spent on courtsey stuffle bus
Respondent 1151 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Although I don't use the existing station at present I done in the past. Many people do use it as evidenced by the number of cars in the car park. If the present station closes and its users have to drive to the new one then the through traffic in Waterbeach will increase significantly.
Respondent 1153 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The proposed new station will not suit my routine.
Why should people in the village change our routine to suit the new town.
Respondent 1154 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
As I oppose the closing of the station may I offer a compromise solution. Since the station is still operational leave it open but reduce the number of trains stopping to just peak times and a limited number of trains throughout the day?
Respondent 1155 (Age: Not stated; View: Very much opposed)
Why not two stations.
Respondent 1158 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
Blue badge holders. Today i can park in Waterbeach station in a disabled space or if none is available I can use a space used by paying customers. And it is free. What measures will you take to make sure disabled users will have the same freedom in the new station’s car park?
Respondent 1160 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I see a lot of people every day walking to catch the train or coming off the train, as I am frequently at the Salvation Army in Station Road. Also, I know as a fact that people from nearby villages, including Milton, use the station at Waterbeach to get to work or hospital or to go on a trip or holiday. I would like Waterbeach village people to have the luxury of keeping our station. It seems that a new town can take from our village, which isn't right. It would be a trek to get to a new station further away. I certainly wouldn't be able to walk there, whereas I can walk to ours. Surely it's no different to when Cambridge North was added on to the stops. Also, a lot of money was spent on our station to extend the length of the platforms and I think that possible the car park was enlarged. What a waste of money if it closes. In fact I have been to London and had to stand for quite a lot of the journey because the train was full going and returning. There are children who use it to go to Ely, because they attend Kings school. People in the village use it to get to Ely, so that they can get their shopping at Tesco or to go shopping in Ely town. others use it to get to Cambridge for shopping or appointments or work. I strongly feel that Waterbeach Station should remain. I get the impression that it is hoped that residents in the New town, also called Waterbeach, will cycle as much as possible, using the new cycle bridge and cycle lanes, also on the new town. Not everyone can cycle! A lot of people feel that the closure has already been decided and say it's not worth bothering to fill in the survey. I [sign-off removed] is not the case.
Respondent 1161 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It will make life feel more difficult. We bought our house because of its proximity to the station and hoped it would help us travel more sustainably as we get older.
Respondent 1164 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
We have Cambridge North so why can’t we have and keep our current station which only a few years ago spent thousands of taxpayers money to enlarge the platform to cater for the longer trains? I’m not opposed to the new village having a railway station but I am very, very much opposed of losing our current one.
Respondent 1165 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I am a disabled adult. Currently am able to use Waterbeach station to travel, would be impossible with alternative station
Respondent 1167 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The loss of this station will be a crushing blow to the community of Waterbeach, in particular the original historic Village. There is reasonable precedent for keeping both the new and old station in near by villages south of Cambridge on the same line. It will also provide more access for the future, when I’m sure there will be increased housing development around the north of Cambridge to meet the growing demand for this area. Personally, removal of this station will mean I will be forced to drive in to Cambridge, adding to the congestion. My partner, who uses this station twice daily, will also be forced to take similar measures, or face a much extended commute to work. Choose sense, back a two station solution.
Respondent 1168 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
The traffic on both the A10 and through Horningsea and Fen Ditton is increasing all the time, especially when the A10 is congested. Removal of Waterbeach station will add to this. The majority of travel from the existing station is to and from South direction. Are people really likely to travel 1.5 miles in the wrong direction to catch a train, extending journeys. A Parish Council member told me that prior to Waterbeach Planning application being granted a traffic study was done by a local consultancy firm that concluded that the additional 10,000 houses (30,000 people) at New Town would not have a traffic impact on the A10 and Horningsea, which is hard to believe. Closure of the Waterbeach station cuts across sustainable goals.
Respondent 1169 (Age: 45-59; View: Somewhat opposed)
Can't see the advantage in moving it. Especially considering the cost to do so. The A10 requires that investment as a priority so much traffic and so many accidents some of which have unfortunately been fatal.
Respondent 1170 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
Station road doesn't have capacity to handle an uplift in foot traffic from new development.
Train reliability is most likely to impact my decision to using the Waterbeach train station. After many years of taking the train+tube to get to the Heathrow I took the national express over reliability concerns.
Respondent 1171 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
As a Waterbeach village resident, the existing station works great for me, and closing it is a major downgrade. It makes me furious that my own tax money is going toward moving the station further away when developers should be footing the bill for a project I don't even need. Since we are being forced to pay for a move that leaves us worse off, village residents like me must be provided with free station parking or a free bus service running at least every 10 minutes permanently to make up for the extra distance. Giving us a paid bus or an infrequent service like every 30 minutes would be completely disgraceful.
Respondent 1172 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
I think that given the distance the station is moving it would have very little impact on me. I would rather the station is moved and proper parking/transport links from the new development are available rather than it staying in the current location and see an increase in traffic through the village from the new development
Respondent 1173 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I’m 72 and still drive but I don’t know for how much longer. I moved to the village to be near my disabled son and use the train to visit my daughter who lives in wetherby so I’m able to catch train to York or Leeds. Also have relatives who live in Norfolk, kings Lynn and Peterborough.
Respondent 1174 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Driving from Horningsea to the ew station will be very awkward as no direct road link - I won't do it, and can't cope with station carparks as you never know if there will be space/what the latest version of payment will be, too stressful when you also have a train to catch. No public transport between Horningsea and the new station.
Only recently improved the platforms - huge waste of money already spent, and it will cost further millions to decommission the old one. Short distance between Waterbeach old and new stations is not much different to Foxton/Shepreth.
BR had such a short sighted approach and blocked our current need for lines and stations by closing/scrapping/selling off infrastructure we badly need now. Let's learn from that mistake and not repeat it. We are encouraging everyone to use public transport - make it easy, keep the old Waterbeach station even if it doesn't get as many trains stopping as now. Then when we re-assess in a few years - after Dev Corp has ruined the area by over developing - we will still have the option of using the old Waterbeach station as part of the tool kit for the transport problems that are bound to develop. We won't have spare money to rebuild it, the way the economy is going.
Respondent 1176 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
The current location and layout of the train station is awkward to say the least. The new location should better serve more people, especially the new tenants in the new Waterbeach town
Respondent 1179 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
As long as the construction traffic can spare existing village roads, and the noise level of construction is not ridiculously disruptive, it’s a good thing to move the train station. Keeping both makes no sense, and the current station road can’t even handle morning traffic now, let alone when WB population grows.
Respondent 1181 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
As someone that lives in the main village of Waterbeach this move seems disrespectful to the residents of an established village and station, to move it further away where there are not even very many houses having been sold.
Respondent 1182 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
It is much ado about nothing. Trains are not going to stop every 2 miles, and it is unreasonable to pay to maintain 2 train stations in such short proximity. The current train station likely won't be fit for purpose once the new development has a good number of people. I'd rather have more train connections due to the higher usage, than the confusion that can arise by having some trains stopping at Waterbeach One and others at Waterbeach Two.
Respondent 1185 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
It’s a busy active station reducing my car trips into Cambridge
Respondent 1187 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat in favour)
I'm concerned that two stations for WB might mean that neither will be properly resourced (maintenance, security, cleaning etc.)
Respondent 1188 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Just have both stations to search both sides of Waterbeach Village. Existing Station can re named Waterbeach Village as this is what the Village was renamed to when The NEW Waterbeach was opened.
Respondent 1190 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I'm appalled at the preposterous relocation of the train station. It's not that long ago millions were spent upgrading it.
There was a huge amount of disruption and noise, even overnight, during the upgrade.
When there is a minimal population residing in Waterbeach town, it is short sighted, gimmick, to move station location and a disgraceful waste of money.
Initially, there was a taxi service for town residents to get to the station. Now, there is currently a bus every 30 minutes to get them to the current station! Even supplying town residents with free bus passes, it would be a fraction of the cost.
Subsequently, there is no cause to change. All it will do is stop villagers using the train and alienate the Parish Council further from villagers.
I am disappointed at this survey and the lack of strength, rigour and support the Parish Council has for the villagers of Waterbeach.
I am dismayed that no positive action has been made to reopen the library.
Respondent 1191 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
i feel very sad and disappointed that the new Waterbeach station will no longer be as close to my home; as there is a strong likelihood that I would be using it again, once I have had my 2nd knee replacement surgery. My future plans were to travel to the existing station on my mobility scooter, in order to catch a train to Cambridge, or one to Kings Lynn, just like I used to. I would be unable to manage the longer journey on my scooter, due to general health & safety concerns,
Respondent 1192 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Given the planned expansion of the village and new town it makes no sense to close the current station. Other countries have suburban railways with stops as close as two Waterbeach stations and there are other places nearby that have close stations, so distance is not really a justification to close the existing one when having both will encourage people to take the train whereas we risk a loss of train use, and/or greater car travel to the new station if we close the current one - which has only just been expanded!
Respondent 1193 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
The station is convenient where it is and serves this part of the village for a long time and the proposed new station will not - it will change the arrangements for existing residents. We now have Cambridge South too - why can’t Waterbeach have a second station given the planned number of new residents over the old village and new town? It will make it much more likely for people to use their cars more and the station less or not at all.
Respondent 1195 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
The existing station is within walking distance. The new one will not be, and would force me to drive to it and park, increasing car traffic in the village and new town
Respondent 1196 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much in favour)
The station isn't moving that far away. For those that live right next to the current station they would have a bit further to travel, but for most of the village it's not a big difference. There is a lot being made out of something that isn't that big.
Respondent 1198 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
Starting a journey from Cambridge North or Cambridge Station is too expensive when the additional cost is accounted for.
Respondent 1199 (Age: 18-29; View: Very much opposed)
I did a rough count of the amount of people who got on the train at the Waterbeach station, resulting in a count of roughly 120 people.
To open one station to close another is an utterly stupid idea, especially considering that the original station serves tonnes of people daily and the new station is for a housing estate that hasn’t finished being built and is struggling to be populated. Taxpayers money shouldn’t be going on something which goes this far against the interest of the people living in Waterbeach either.
The best solution to this is to have the two stations coexist with eachother (like a Cambridge north, central, and recently built south station type of deal).
Respondent 1200 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
In practical terms, I live somewhere "in the middle" between the two stations and the distance will be roughly the same to get there. I will use the station wherever it is. I understand why people want the old station to remain - it is by default fully accessible (which, given that the lifts can and do break, the new station won't be), but that's as much as it has going for it. On weekdays the car park is full, the machines sometimes don't work, the waiting areas are few, and it's relatively speaking poorly lit. The new station hopefully will have better and more reliable facilities, but will come with its own set of challenges (small car park to serve much bigger population, limited bike parking, unknown public transport connections within the village, congestion through the car approach / Bannold Rd).
Ideally, if I could, I'd keep the old station as a secondary stopping point and run a slow service between Ely and Cambridge North once or twice an hour as a "metro" type connection to supplement the existing ones. However, I would still prioritise all services (eg the Brum - Stansted ones) actually stopping at WBC.
These projects are always controversial one way or another, overall I'm tentatively positive about this one.
Respondent 1205 (Age: 60-74; View: Somewhat in favour)
If the current station is closed, there will need to be a more direct cycle and walking route from the south of the village to the new station. A shuttle bus would help those with mobility challenges.
Respondent 1206 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Waterbeach Station is part of the village and serves the Village well - the increased number of people travelling to the new Estate to catch a train is completely unsustainable and wrong - more traffic on the A10 and cars around the new Estate
Respondent 1207 (Age: 30-44; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
I understand that the new station will be only slightly further on foot for us than the current station so I am mostly ambivalent on that front. I slightly prefer the current station position but I would like more facilities at the station like toilets, covered seating and a cafe or similar so a new station is appealing if it can offer that. I am however concerned that the developers may row back on access plans and walking routes to the new station. I would personally love to see a cycle path running directly alongside the railway all the way into Cambridge and the other way to Ely from either the old or new station but that seems unlikely to happen unfortunately.
Respondent 1208 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
No thought has been taken for existing residents. Only looking after new Waterbeach.
Respondent 1209 (Age: 60-74; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
As a resident living in Cody road, I am very concerned that the new station will increase traffic flow along Cody road, and station users parking in Cody road to avoid station parking costs. This must be addressed ans part of the plans for the new station and new town.
Respondent 1212 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I think this is detrimental to the community and personally it would mean that I would always have to drive as the new station isn't in walking distance
Respondent 1214 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
We brought our house close to the station so that in old age we would still be able to travel even when we could no longer drive a car. The new station is beyond our ability to walk to it.
Respondent 1215 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
We brought our house close to the station so that in old age we would still be able to travel even when we could no longer drive a car. The new station is beyond our ability to walk to it.
Respondent 1216 (Age: 18-29; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Can't you keep them both open? I would obviously prefer a new station closer to home, but it seems a shame for the people in the village
Respondent 1217 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
I frequently take the train to Cambridge or Ely with my dog. I have some limited mobility due to knee replacement and Arthritis so this station is a godsend for me.
Respondent 1220 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
This railway station serves is purpose, not long ago had hundreds of thousands spent on new platform
Respondent 1221 (Age: 75 or older; View: Very much opposed)
I’ve lived 58 years in Waterbeach and regularly used the station
Respondent 1223 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
Please dont close Waterbeach Railway Station. This is a good Conservation Area and many visitors from friends and families appreciated this area and having its railway station is the artery that pumps the heart of Waterbeach for which many veins are connected. Please keep the Waterbeach Railway Station and improve it.
Respondent 1224 (Age: 60-74; View: Very much opposed)
Excuse me , but practically and sustainably, how , as a 73 years old villager , am I expected to arrive at the new railway station? I have no car . I will have to depend on a neighbour to drive me to that station . I always travel to Europe at least once a year , this entails taking a suitcase obviously. More importantly how am I suppose to get home ? In the dark alone by walking with said suitcase? Or expecting my neighbour to help every time ? Why , after over forty years of using this village station, will that facility no longer exist ? I thought everyone was concerned about climate change? This is nothing more than another cost cutting exercise to suit balance sheets . Who on Earth am I ? Just nobody. Just a passenger. Please think again . We have Waterbeach , Cambridge North , Cambridge South . So why close the station ? This will be like the underground. It was a world first in London . I think that was a success? I really do not understand why this situation has to be addressed . A politician closed the railway network decades ago . We all know that was a mistake.
Respondent 1225 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
At a time when we are being urged to use sustainable forms of travel, doesn't closing access to such a form seem absurd?
Respondent 1226 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
I might need to quit my job
Respondent 1227 (Age: 60-74; View: Neither in favour nor opposed)
Would prefer both stations to be available
Respondent 1228 (Age: 30-44; View: Somewhat opposed)
Having a railway station in the village is critical to quality of life and accessibilty.
Respondent 1231 (Age: 30-44; View: Very much opposed)
There are a great many people in the village who use the train & enjoy the walk to it along the nicest most scenic part of Waterbeach. The route to the proposed new station is already busy & dangerous for children & adults with cars flying up Bannold & Cody Road. Most people in Waterbeach who use the station will inevitably drive as it is further & less congenial to walk or cycle to than the current station. This will create further pressure on Bannold & Cody Roads which are already hazardous with people driving at well over 30mph.
Respondent 1232 (Age: 45-59; View: Very much opposed)
I don't think it is uncommon to have 2 stations 1.5 miles apart, and not every service has to stop at the existing station. As someone who used to live on Station Road and have always heavily depended on the train and enjoyed the convenience of the station, I think it is completely unfair on residents in the South of Waterbeach Village who will find their 5 minute walk is now more like a 30 minute walk to the station. And finally, in terms of running costs of the station, this must be close to zero, so I don't understand why the station would need to close.