The West Devon Green Party is deeply concerned that the Bere Alston to Tavistock rail link, which was finally approved by the Department for Transport last year, might be dropped by the new government.
The main costs of this leg of the project won’t be due for another four years – with only 1% of funding required at this stage – yet the benefits to the region will be huge.
1. It will rejuvenate Tavistock immeasurably, opening access for work and for leisure for both Tavistock and Plymouth residents, as well as those all along the route.
2. It will provide an alternative, reliable and regular link for Bere Peninsular residents to travel into Tavistock. Although the bus service is a welcome lifeline it is infrequent and does not operate on Sundays.
3. It will mean fewer cars and lower emissions. This will not only help reduce carbon footprint for the area, but it will also be safer for cyclists like myself who are currently put off from riding to Tavistock biy bike.
4. It will enable residents along the Gunnislake line to use the facilities of Tavistock without the need for the inconvenient car journeys crossing at Gunnislake New Bridge or Horsebridge.
5. It will be the necessary first step towards creating the all important rail link through to Okehampton and Exeter – an essential alternative to the Dawlish route, which was closed off again last week.
We must continue to pressurise the Government for the retention of this scheme when it comes up for review later this month.