Okehampton-Exeter rail link still on track

Okehampton People has been following the progress of the Dartmoor Railway's attempt to reintroduce  a daily service between Okehampton and Exeter ever since the site came into existence 18 months ago.

Back in March there was great excitement: the line was due to re-open in May. But May came and went, and by September more delays were announced. So what's the present position?

I went to see Graham Isom, Operations Manager for the Dartmoor Railway to see if there was any realistic hope of the scheme finally coming to fruition. I'm delighted to say that the answer was an emphatic "Yes!" - with the rider that patience was needed.

Graham explained that the matter was now in the hands of the Office of Rail Regulation, who are obliged to make a very painstaking investigation into the running of the line, which covers everything from the track to the rolling stock to the long-term financial viability. "But," he said, "progress is being made, and I'm very confident that we'll get a result, although the time-scale is an unknown."

Even better news is that the plans include a 'Parkway' station behind Mole Avon, which would be attractive for passengers coming up the A30 from Launceston, as well as for anyone living to the east of the town. This might initially be a temporary structure but would eventually become a permanent station.

Meanwhile, Okehampton Town Councillors Michael Ireland and Paul Vachon have been carrying out a survey to gauge public opinion about the service, not just in the town but along the line of the old track to Bude. With around 60% of the project completed, they've been surprised by the level of enthusiasm, with almost no objections.

The excitement within the town is almost tangible: Chamber of Trade chairman Ian Bailey sees the line as a major factor in the town's regeneration... but all concerned warn that if we get it, we've got to use it!