THE Watercress Line is facing opposition to plans for an expansion of its operation at Ropley railway station.

The Mid-Hants Railway has applied to build a campsite and six holiday chalets, toilets, and parking for more than 100 cars on farmland off Bighton Hill.

It also wants to build a narrow gauge railway, engine shed, turntable and signal box.

The application has attracted seven letters of objection from local people and some 29 in support from wider afield.

One objector, who asked not to be named, said: “This is a very large project on what is now farm land above the railway track. Bighton Hill is a long narrow lane with only two possible passing places.

“The proposed car park entrance and exit is situated above a narrow hump- back bridge on a bend, which is a very dangerous proposition. The whole project has the distinct air of a ‘theme park’ in an inappropriate rural area with residents living very close by.

“The influx of so many people, the ever increasing amount of traffic with a surfeit of caravans, cars and lorries on our narrow lanes makes life increasingly stressful and dangerous.”

The plan is being considered by East Hampshire District Council.

The railway was unavailable for comment.