A MOTORIST, approaching The Butts via Whitedown Lane at around 9.30am last Wednesday morning, couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw what looked to be a runaway truck speeding along the Mid Hants Railway line toward Alton.

According to Derek Hampshire, the truck – a Wickham Trolley – was travelling across the bridge toward Alton station and looked unattended.

Concerned that it was indeed out of control, Mr Hampshire called British Transport Police to report the incident.

He was called back by Mid-Hants Railway and told that it was “nothing to worry about”.

Colin Chambers, managing director of the Watercress Line, said: “I can confirm there was a Wickham Trolley with three members of staff on board, carrying out a routine journey on the line this morning. This is common practice when we are carrying out work and need to move equipment. The public can be assured that the vehicle was under control at all times, despite this morning’s citizen not having seen the staff on board.”