THE boom in passengers using Oxfordshire’s railway network is extraordinary.

It is also a fitting riposte to the disastrous doctrine of Dr Beeching, whose report 50 years ago led to huge swathes of the rail network closing.

We clearly have the demand, but sadly not the infrastructure to satisfy it, let alone grow further.

Our stations, track and signalling are simply not fit for purpose and fixing that requires a bold, long-term plan and plenty of cash.

The former must come from the Government and rail companies.

So, in the main, must the latter.

Commuters are already paying quite enough.