A MAN interested in local history has been researching the closing down of two former railway lines and the subsequent demolition of Walkham Viaduct 50 years ago.

Mike Manning from Bristol has spent many hours delving into the history of the London and South Western Railway (L & SWR) and Great Western Railway (GWR), from their beginnings in 1835 and 1834 respectively.

During his research, Mr Manning discovered that it will soon be the 50th anniversary of when Walkham Viaduct was pulled down.

Back in July 1964, the Tavistock Times reported that a man called Glen Bunker of Furzedown, Grenofen, was campaigning to save the old bridge. But on February 16, 1965, under the headline 'Bunker Bridge Dies' the last pier standing of the Walkham Viaduct was blown up.

Mr Manning said: 'After the ex-GWR's lines from Marsh Mills to Tavistock South were swiftly closed they pulled down the Walkham Viaduct. Why? The identically built St Pinnock Viaduct in the grounds of Trago Mills is still standing and taking mainline traffic.'

Anyone with information that could help Mr Manning with his research can email: [email protected]">[email protected]

Mr Manning is writing a book about the history of the L&SWR and the GWR.