Network Rail has proposed closing the Folkestone Harbour branch line and has notified the Department for Transport of its plans.

This would include Folkestone Harbour station and Network Rail argues the line has not been used for passenger services under the national system since 2001, claiming only chartered services have passed through in the last few years.

It also carried out an assessment, which concluded the track would not be financially responsible to maintain - as such, the recommendations look to close the line as soon as possible.

Network Rail's route managing director for Kent Fiona Taylor said: "We feel it would be irresponsible of us to continue to maintain this unused line, largely at the taxpayers' expense, at a time when we are doing all we can to make the rest of our business more efficient."

While most news arguably focuses on meeting increased demand in the UK's transport infrastructure, it is not often lines are closed. However, with no public transport services, no extra capacity will be moved onto other lines as a result - although chartered options would need to find a different path.

A consultation started today (November 20th) and it will allow anyone interested to submit their opinion on the organisation's proposals.