Call to reopen Bideford railway
CALLS are being made to get trains back on the track and reopen the old railway line from Bideford to Barnstaple.
A recent report from the Association of Train Operators said the line could be re-opened alongside the Tarka Trail at a cost of £80 million.
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Bideford Railway
Lewis Andrews, spokesman for the Bideford Railway Heritage Centre is very keen on the idea.
He said: "It would be easy to do because the line is in one ownership and is not interrupted by development at all.
"It would cater for both locals and tourists giving them a sustainable form of tourism.
"Times are hard but sometimes you need to look at the benefits for everyone and not just costs.
"The feedback we have had about reopening the line has been extremely supportive."
Mr Andrews would like to see a feasibility study into getting the trains back on track commissioned.
A report in December 1999 said the working railway could be feasible next to the Tarka Trail, but was not viable for at least another 10 years.
Torridge District Councillor, Miranda Cox, put a motion forward to get the council to support the idea of reopening the line.
She believes the installation of the service would be sustainable for the future.
She said: "People build roads anywhere — 15 miles of railway costs the same to build as one mile of motorway.
"It would prove incredibly popular with tourists and also reduce congestion on our roads."
She received many positive comments about her idea which will be discussed fully in the next committee meeting.
Cllr Anthony Collins said he would be very happy to see the trains running.
Cllr Peter Christie said: "We need to see this train running if we are the centre of transport routes.
"We could have cargo going from the trains to the port we already have in Bideford."
28 Comments
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by Alex Bowker, Wilmslow Cheshire
Sunday, January 10 2010, 10:59AM
“Have a look at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway site www.nymr.co.uk and think what a bit of that could do for your local economy. Good luck”
by Chris Walder, West London but ex Bideford
Monday, January 04 2010, 8:53PM
“Sometimes in life, not everything should come down to pure economic considerations. It is hard to believe that a train service between Barnstaple & Bideford & beyond is going to be economically viable on it's own, but with a little imagination could not only offer a service but also be a real and desperately needed additional tourist attraction. I am sure that there would be no shortage of volunteers to run the trains!!! If anyone has set up a working group to persue this marvellous idea, then please let me know, as I would love to help.”
by Chris, UK
Monday, December 28 2009, 3:05PM
“I agree that actualy a narrow gauge line would be much better. It ca still carry freight, still carry passengers and will allow the Tarka trail to continue its use by walkers. For those of you who say the rail network is over priced, it woulndnt be if you used it. As for others who say that cars are more convinient well yes they are, but then thats just plain lazy. Getting a train and doing some walking might help you loose weight! Also, who wants to be stuck in traffic while on holidya anyways. Buses are just cars with more people and add to traffic. Plus busses are more expensive than trains!”
by Martin, Oxford
Sunday, December 27 2009, 10:45AM
“Some of your doubt ridden comments make me smile. You car owners are now on increasingly borrowed time world wide. You sound like modern day short sighted 'Beechings'! Railway re-opening projects WILL and ARE now top of the list in many areas of the UK. Many of them embracing both massive steam heritage income and a proper modern service for the grid locked car owner wishing to get to work and back again. Many economists predict a 'Golden Age' of rail once again in the UK (has already started in some areas). Think some of you need to get used to ideas like this or you may find yourselves eating your hats!”
by Tarka trail user, Bideford
Friday, October 09 2009, 11:51AM
“No, there is not enough space to have both a railway line and the Tarka Trail, and the trail is used by far more people daily than a train service would be.”
by Alan Barber, London
Wednesday, September 30 2009, 9:20AM
“I was lucky enough to have travelled on this line on a special train in about 1980.
I have also walked along it I think it would make a great preserved railway.
I am sure it would help the area ,and hopefully get a few cars off the roads.
Not everyone can drive. Let the train Take The Strain!”
by Grumpy Fat Controller, Bideford
Monday, September 21 2009, 4:44PM
“I do not see how having to book a cheap apex ticket 3 months in advance, to get affordable transport, will be beneficial to the area. However, I do see the merits of having a narrow gauge steam railway, e.g. the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, that runs along side the cycle track and provides the following:
a) a regular affordable service. b) generates income through tourism.
c) provides employment within the community.
d) gives the boys their toys to play with!
e) keeps the cycle track open.
So no to Network rail but yes to a local run community based affordable railway.”
by Brian George, East Midlands
Monday, September 21 2009, 11:30AM
“Great Idea to reopen the Bideford line. I argued and continue to argue for the Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton lines to reopen.
Go via the Prime Ministers office. Seek a meeting with the transport minister. Get your MP involved and keep at it.
I heard that Network Rail have said they can do this reconnection to Bideford. So way not get a local action group at Bideford or your MP to write to Network Rail and get them to raise the priority? Find out what their doing for heavens sake.
Get your Regional Assembly and Devon County Council on the case.”
by Joan & Ronald Oborne, Barstaple
Sunday, September 20 2009, 2:52PM
“No! The railway had it's day & was not economical, and it won't be today without large subsidies & volunteer labour.
We do not believe they intend to build at the side of the Trail but to replace it & destroy a much used & much loved leisure & commuting facility.”
by Dan, Torrington
Thursday, September 17 2009, 10:46PM
“Shame on the people that say this is a bad idea SHAME ON YOU! It should never had closed in the first place! Railways cost less than roads and better for the environment too so lets get real people and get this moving! It cost 48 million just for the bypass in Barnstable remember and has that really worked as much as it should have? Traffic just gets to Braunton quicker than before so the tail back of traffic builds quicker. Maybe they should think about the barnstaple to Ilfracombe line too in future. Again SHAME on the people who say no!”