Proposals to reopen a Hampshire rail route could survive the government's public spending review, a leading supporter of the project has said.

County councillor David Harrison claimed there was still a chance that passenger trains will return to the Totton to Hythe branch line.

Commuter services ceased in 1966 but the line has continued to be used by freight trains, which means the track is still in place.

Cllr Harrison, who represents Totton South and Marchwood, has spoken out after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the axing of a series of infrastructure projects as part of a bid to plug a £22bn black hole, including a road tunnel under Stonehenge.

David Harrison says plans to reopen the line could survive the government's spending review because the infrastructure is still in placeDavid Harrison says plans to reopen the line could survive the government's spending review because the infrastructure is still in place (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Harrison said the Chancellor announced that "most" of the £500m Restoring Our Railways scheme would be ditched.

But he added: "The line has always been considered one of the most cost effective because the line already exists, so there is still a chance it will survive.

"I guess we will know what happens when we get the Budget at the end of October."

READ MORE: Decision to scrap part of HS2 fuels hopes that Totton to Hythe line will reopen

Cllr Malcolm Wade, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group on New Forest District Council, also wants to see the line reopened.

He said: "Giving people an alternative to car travel is fundamental to reducing carbon - an aim shared by all parties.

"The consultation with the public to gauge opinion on its reintroduction met with huge approval.  

"The scheme had already reached its strategic outline business case and was being supported to develop further.

"Local Liberal Democrats had been encouraged by the reopening of the Dartmoor line, which is providing a restored seven days a week passenger service, giving passengers the chance to choose rail over the road and travel from Exeter to Okehampton on greener, cleaner modes of transport."

Much of the Waterside line is still in tactMuch of the Waterside line is still in tact (Image: Newsquest)

The Totton to Hythe line is currently used only by trains going to and from Marchwood Military Port.

If proposals to restore passenger services are given the go-ahead, the old Marchwood station will be upgraded and a new transport hub built at Hythe.

But the scheme was dealt a blow last month when plans for 1,500 homes on the former site of Fawley power station were scrapped.

Fawley Waterside's decision to axe the £1bn scheme has reduced the number of potential passengers.

A county council spokesperson said: "We await further detail from the Department for Transport around implications of the Chancellor’s announcement relating to funding for railway restoration."