Private cash could help railway

A train service from Plymouth to Tavistock could cut road congestion

A South West railway line closed nearly 40 years ago could be reopened.

The Tamar Valley line currently runs trains from Plymouth to Bere Alston in Devon and Gunnislake in Cornwall.

Now campaigners are hoping a new service from Bere Alston to Tavistock could be viable with public and private sector funding.

An engineering survey found the track bed was complete and all structures sound. Now the £10m cost of a new line will be discussed at a public meeting.

Congestion reduction

The estimated cost for a 5.5 mile-long section of line (9km) was judged to be too much for the public sector to fund but experts believe it would be possible with private sector and community involvement.

Those in favour, including local councillors, say it could significantly reduce congestion on roads between Tavistock and Plymouth.

In 2005, a £6m investment was made in the Tamar Valley to clear the route from Plymouth to Tavistock and create a footpath and cycleway.

The public meeting is being held in Bere Alston on Monday evening.