Save Fenny Stratford Station
East West Rail's 2026 proposals would close our station and our crossing. We back the scheme but we're calling for the changes that make it work for our town too.
A station and a community link — both proposed for closure.
The 2026 East West Rail consultation includes proposals that would permanently change the character of Fenny Stratford. Here's what they mean on the ground.
The station will be closed
EWR proposes to close Fenny Stratford station.
The Simpson Road level crossing will be closed
Removing vehicle and pedestrian access across the railway. Continuous noise barriers along both sides will deepen the split between North and South Fenny Stratford.
New pedestrian route
The principal pedestrian and cycle link between north and south Fenny Stratford would be replaced by a 300m detour along the canal towpath — with narrow walkways and a steep, uneven hill (not suitable for wheelchairs).
Bilton Road will be extended
EWR proposes to extend Bilton Road through the industrial estate to connect to Simpson Road. With the level crossing closed, this new alignment becomes the diverted route for all traffic that currently uses Simpson Road.
Fenny Stratford station has the catchment and growth potential to be a strong stop on East West Rail.
A catchment of 12,000+ — and growing
- About 12,000 people already live within a 20-minute walk of Fenny Stratford station.
- Once the homes proposed in the Milton Keynes 2050 plan are delivered, that rises to over 18,000.
- The proposed Bilton Road extension and A5 connection will put around 192,000 people within a 15-minute drive of the station.
- The A5 and Watling Street put Fenny Stratford within easy reach of commuters driving in from south of Milton Keynes, taking pressure off Bletchley station.
Walking distance to shops, parks, canal — and Stadium MK
- Retail parks, the Grand Union Canal and surrounding parkland are all within easy walking distance of Fenny Stratford station.
- Stadium MK is 20 minutes on foot — 10 minutes shorter than from Bletchley's proposed eastern entrance.
- Shopping, leisure and event travel by rail — exactly the kind of trips EWR should be unlocking.
Open up our town, don't close it off
- The proposals close Fenny Stratford off: a canal-side route that fails basic accessibility, and continuous noise barriers walling the railway through the town.
- Investment in a retained station does the opposite — it opens the town up and draws footfall to Watling Street and Aylesbury Street.
- It signals that Fenny Stratford is a place worth investing in.
Bletchley is not a substitute
- 1.3km is a long walk for daily commuters, families, evening visitors and anyone less mobile.
- A new eastern entrance at Bletchley helps — but it doesn't serve the people for whom Fenny Stratford is the natural walk-in station.
- Fenny Stratford is a closer, walkable alternative for users affected by the closure of Bow Brickhill station.
There is room on site for a modern station
- The former Travis Perkins site and the Clifton House Business Park area can comfortably accommodate a new station building, an additional twin-tracking platform, parking and supporting development.
- Space isn't the constraint — investment and ambition is.
What we're asking East West Rail to do.
We support East West Rail and want the scheme to succeed — for Fenny Stratford too. Here are the four changes we're calling for.
Retain Fenny Stratford as an operational station
With twin-tracking platforms, served by a meaningful frequency of trains — exactly the kind of high-catchment, high-growth stop EWR is being built to serve.
Build a direct pedestrian & cycle subway
An accessible underpass at or near the existing Simpson Road crossing — the best solution for connecting our community.
Use the available land for regeneration
Use available land around the station to create a modern transport hub with parking and supporting development, acting as a catalyst for wider investment in the area.
Treat the canal route as an addition, not a replacement
The towpath diversion can be a welcome extra active travel asset — but it must not be presented as a substitute for a direct railway crossing.
Make sure your voice is on the record.
The 2026 consultation is the moment to push back. Respond directly to East West Rail — and tell them Fenny Stratford station and a direct, accessible crossing are non-negotiable.
Consultation closes 9 June 2026.
Spread the word — the more people who engage with the consultation, the louder our voice.