PLANS to extend the Isle of Wight's train network between Wootton and Newport and Shanklin and Ventnor could be on track after the Island's MP submitted a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department for Transport (DfT).

Bob Seely is seeking a feasibility study that would require funding from the DfT, arguing that an extended network would bring "significant gains" for the Island.

Mr Seely said: “When the government launched its ‘Restoring Your Railway Fund’ last month, I wanted to make sure the Island was the first in the queue.

“I have worked closely with local stakeholders and together we have worked up an expression of interest for a feasibility study that we hope may result in something positive for the Island.

“A feasibility study would explore the viability of reopening the railway line between Shanklin and Ventnor, which could help to boost tourism in Ventnor.

“It would also look at a railway connection between Ryde and Newport, but it’s critical that the Isle of Wight Steam Railway supports the proposals for that to happen.

“This could be very significant for the Island and I would like to thank all of the stakeholders involved in working up the Island’s case including the Solent Local Economic Partnership and the IW Council.”

Before 1966, the Isle of Wight boasted more than 55 miles of railway line.

Restoring that network would require a number of organisations working together, including the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Since 1971 it has restored and operated on track between Wootton and Smallbrook Junction.

The Havenstreet-based charity and tourist attraction says it has "no plans" to extend its line to complete the proposed route between Ryde and the Island's county town.

However, it has noted "with interest" the suggestion put forward by Mr Seely, with the support of the Isle of Wight Council.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway said: "Current safety legislation makes shared usage of our line challenging.

"Modern faster trains needed to operate a viable public transport link would not be able to operate alongside our historic wooden-bodied carriages, which currently run at a maximum speed of 25mph.

"Significant changes would also be required to the infrastructure and signalling.

"We are open to discussions with Bob Seely MP and the Office for Road and Rail to establish whether these challenges could be overcome.

"While our strategic vision contains the long-term ambition to extend our line to Newport, this has significant financial and technical challenges."

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership has already part-funded a plan to modernise Island Line, as previously reported.

The partnership is backing this latest idea and told the Isle of Wight County Press: "The Solent LEP has recently contributed £700,000 to complement the Department for Transport's £26m investment to safeguard the Island Line, and we are fully supportive of proposals to re-open former railway alignments on the Island that have the potential to ensure the recent DfT and Solent LEP investment is optimised further."

According to the DfT, the Transport Secretary has invited MPs, local authorities and community groups across England to come forward with proposals on how they could use funding to reinstate axed local services.

A £500 million fund is being put in place.

The DfT says it has already received a large number of expressions of interest for "initial ideas funding".

The next stage of the process will see some of those concept schemes developed to establish benefit, feasibility and cost.

Bob Seely MP says discussions will take place over the next two months to try to shunt the idea forward.