Calls are being heard for a new direct connection between Hedge End to Southampton Central after getting cross-party support.

Passengers wanting to travel between the town and city centre currently have to travel to Eastleigh and spend anywhere between 15 and 40 minutes waiting for a connection, with no direct connection.

Two local MPs, one Conservative and one Labour, have told the Echo they would back a new connection directly from Hedge End to Southampton Central.

MP for Hamble Valley, which includes Hedge End, Paul Holmes said: “I have long supported changes to make travelling from the southern half of my constituency easier to get into Southampton.

“It is vital for jobs, economic growth and reducing our congestion and emissions. Any proposal that does that would have my strong support.”

MP for Southampton Itchen, Darren Paffey also backed the scheme, which would run right through his constituency.

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Mr Paffey said: “While I’d be keen to study the details of any proposed plan and understand more about the implications for residents and businesses in Southampton Itchen, I absolutely recognise the broader picture that we need look at different ways of improving rail services and connectivity.

MP for Southampton Itchen, Darren PaffeyMP for Southampton Itchen, Darren Paffey (Image: NQ) “While I’m certainly interested in the idea of a new railway line, I’ve also spoken to Network Rail and South Western Railway about how we could make more use of the existing rail network and infrastructure to improve connections and service frequency, particularly at stations away from the city centre.”

Between March 2023 and April 2024, Hedge End station was used by 362,630 passengers, data from the Office of Rail and Road reveals.

But the Department for Transport has confirmed that so far no plans are currently in the work to see a direct train from Hedge End to Southampton Central.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We are clear that transport is an essential part of our mission to rebuild Britain, and we’re committed to supporting growth and opportunity, as part of our Plan for Change.

“No plans have been submitted for a direct route between Hedge End and Southampton Central, but if proposals are put forward, we will consider the scheme in the usual way.”