Calls grow to reopen rail line
SUPPORT is growing to reopen the Bideford to Barnstaple railway line since it was featured on television.
Lewis Andrews, from Bideford Railway Heritage Centre, said enthusiasm was running higher than ever since the former line appeared in a Christmas Day special of James May's Toy Stories.
The presenter's attempt to construct the world's longest Hornby model railway between Barnstaple and Bideford was not successful.
However, the programme brought a lot of attention to the Tarka Trail and saw more than 400 local volunteers help build the 10-mile track.
A report from the Association of Train Operators said the line could be re-opened alongside the Tarka Trail at a cost of £80 million.
Mr Andrews said: "It has gripped the public's imagination and people have now realised that the decision to close the track in the 1960s was wrong — we really want it back.
"Meanwhile the Tarka Trail Store in Bideford reported a surge of interest in Hornby models following the TV programme. Sales were four-fold the usual demand."
The group will next be meeting tonight at the Bideford Arts Centre at 7.30pm.
4 Comments
by Ralph Bridle, Saudi Arabia
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 5:25AM
“I am absolutly flaberghasted at the people who reply thinking reopening the railway is a bad idea. I would like them to point me to any reopened railway that has NOT benifited the local economy. Thinking of Minehead, Kingswear, Bodmin, and even Buckfastleigh. If the plans are put in place it can be used for commuting (Okehampton and Great Central for possible examples), it has happened or being planned on other railways. North Devon (especially Bideford) depends on tourism, dont forget that, and the majority of people who visit preserved railways are tourists, not train buffs. Just see how the season has extended at Lynton, and guess why... The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.”
by Andrew Brown, Bradford, Canada
Friday, February 05 2010, 6:17PM
“I think the only way this could be a money maker if it was a steam railway being run like the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway. Once the train reaches Kingswear you have different options for harbour cruises, bus trips etc.
I suppose in Bideford bus trips to Clovelly, Westward Ho, Hartland etc., could be available.
I'm sure if the line was opened for regular rail service, it would be a five minute wonder that would eventually peter out.
On the other hand, the comments that the money should be used for road repairs and upgrades, probably would be a lot more beneficial for the locals who use them everyday. It would help with summer congestion aswell.”
by Unbelievable, Bideford
Friday, February 05 2010, 5:51PM
“£80M!!! No locals would ever use it, the only people who would use it would be the anoraks and train buffs. Spend the money on improving the A361, providing additional lanes to enable car drivers to SAFELY pass the HGV's which are limited to 40mph.”
by John Gilbert, Southampton
Thursday, February 04 2010, 9:59AM
“This could be a winner as a tourist attraction, but should include the line to Torrington. Spectacular scenery throughout. Come on Devon County Council, this could be the big one.”