REOPENING a redundant railway line near Okehampton as a bridlepath could be the key to injecting millions of pounds into the local economy, according to two local women who say it will form the main artery to a network of bridlepaths which stretch across the county.

Linda Hughes and Chris Ingram from Boasley claim the area is missing out on a potential gold mine, but they are also concerned that the authorities are not addressing the safety concerns of cyclists, riders and walkers who are forced into using busy roads.

The women are particularly concerned about a stretch of the A3079 Okehampton to Halwill road between Venn Down Gates and Thorndon Cross, which has already seen two horse related accidents recently.

The area has a plethora of old overgrown bridleways which cannot presently be accessed.

'With the increased volume of fast moving traffic and large

lorries, it is extremely dangerous to ride, walk or cycle along this road,' said Mrs Hughes. 'We would like to see a disused railway line running parallel to the road reopened as a bridleway to provide a safer way of travel and a valuable asset to the local community.

'This bridlepath could link into a network of other ones which in the longer term could feasibly join the existing Okehampton to Tavistock cycleway and the Holsworthy to Hatherleigh cycleway in the other direction.'

In the recently published Devon Structure Plan it states: 'In maintaining and developing the footpath, cycleway and bridleway networks, advantage should be taken, wherever practicable, of redundant canals and railways.'

Mrs Hughes and Mrs Ingram are writing to local parish councils to see if they will support their campaign.

'In the past landowners have allowed this disused railway track to be used for organised fun rides and the surface is ideal, so no great expense would be needed,' added Mrs Hughes.

'With the emphasis put on attracting cyclists to the area to access the National Cycle Network and Okehampton being promoted as a walking centre, the more bridleways we have, which can be used by riders, cyclists and walkers, the better.'

Bed and breakfast establishments for horses have been set up in the area and nationally the equine economy is worth £2.5-billion while the cycle economy is worth £6.5-billion.

Mrs Ingram said the position of the disused railway line was such that it could provide the 'main artery' to bridlepaths across the county and there was huge potential for many more tourist businesses to open up en route.

'The opportunity is there to create something like The Downs Way in Sussex or the Sabrina Way in Shropshire which brings millions of pounds into the economy.'

The two women are eager to hear from anyone who supports their idea and can be contacted on 01837 871403 (Chris) or 01837 871231 (Lynne.)