All stations to Yeoford?

Ever since the Dartmoor Railway began summer Sunday excursions to Exeter there has been speculation about the re-introduction of a daily service - and a survey carried out by town councillor Dr Michael Ireland back in April showed that 94% of those questioned were in favour of a regular timetabled service connecting with the national network.

Plans were in hand to rebuild a platform at Yeoford Junction to allow connections to be made with the Tarka Line, which would extend Dartmoor Railway's 'boundary': but Network Rail and the lawyers intervened, and all is again on hold until at least September, when the legal position my be resolved.

Anyone who has taken the short trip from the beautifully refurbished Okehampton Station up to Meldon Quarry - and if you've not, I strongly recommend that you do - will not only have basked in the nostalgia of bygone, simpler times, but also considerd just how convenient it would be if they could, for example, start their holiday right here in Okehampton with a train to Gatwick or Heathrow or have a weekend in London with no driving.

There has been tremendous progress, such as the rebuilding of Sampford Courtenay Station (which was the terminus - and called Okehampton Road - until 1867 when the line was completed into town) and the running of Sunday lunchtime and evening trips with music and food themes.

So although it seems improbable that the service will be extended, it certainly isn't impossible, and a combination of the huge enthusiasm of the Dartmoor Railway staff and their team of volunteers and well-expressed public opinion just might make the dream a reality.

You can have your say right here. okehamptonpeople will keep you updated on any progress, and you can find out more at:

www.dartmoor-railway.co.uk/