A NEW chapter was written in the history of Dartmoor Railway last week with the opening of a new station at Sampford Courtenay.
Another sign of progress for the railway was the opening of a new visitor information centre and outdoor seating area at Meldon Station.
Dartmoor Railway hopes the new station and facilities will extend the opportunities for visitors to explore the railway this summer.
Invited guests boarded the Dartmoor Belle at Okehampton Station last Friday and were taken to Meldon for the official opening of the new visitor centre, then to Sampford Courtenay for the unveiling of the name plaque at the carefully restored station.
The visitor centre was opened by Dr Nick Atkinson, chief executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority and Liz Bingham from the Countryside Agency. The centre includes an exhibition which gives visitors the chance to learn more about the history of railways and extractive industries on Dartmoor.
Meldon is the highest railway station in southern England, and the railway is keen to encourage people to walk, cycle and enjoy the panoramic views across Dartmoor.
The new outdoor eating area was opened by borough councillor Nick Morgan. He said the railway was already renowned for its good quality food and service, which people would now be able to enjoy against the backdrop of Dartmoor. Cllr Morgan added that he was fully supportive of Dartmoor Railway?s next aim to reopen the station at North Tawton.
Devon County Councillor David Morrish, who officially opened Sampford Courtenay?s station, said community railways now played an important role in transport strategies. ?We sometimes forget the part played in Devon by smaller rural railways. They can be an important part of the social structure and a strong part of the local economy,? he said.
Cllr Morrish said he hoped the new service would attract more tourists to Dartmoor.
John Hummel, managing director of Dartmoor Railway, said: ?Community rail offers the opportunity for rural lines to be operated more efficiently and flexibly by using local organisations working to more appropriate standards.
?The aim is to reduce costs by localising the operation and maintenance, using the savings to improve services and add passenger numbers through locally-focussed management and marketing.?
Mr Hummel paid tribute to the staff at Dartmoor Railway. ?We have a very small team of people who have done a tremendous amount of hard work,? he said.
Dartmoor Railway has also announced a partnership with ECT, a rapidly expanding London-based social enterprise. ECT?s principal business is recycling but it also operates public transport services in Ealing, West London.
Stephen Sears, ECT?s chief executive said: ?Together our organisations have the railway expertise, business systems and experience of community engagement that will be needed to involve local people and visitors and encourage them to make greater use of their branch lines.
Mr Sears said it was an exciting opportunity to be able to replicate Dartmoor Railway?s success by expanding community rail services in other areas of the country.