WHAT a wonderful opportunity we have now the Tamar Valley line has been chosen as one of the Government?s nationwide seven pilots for developing rural railways in conjunction with their local communities (Times, December 2). Transport Minister (and Devonport MP) David Jamieson has cited the Strategic Rail Authority?s new Community Rail Development Strategy as affording the opportunity to attract traffic off the road and onto rail. The best way of doing this would be to re-open the four-mile track between Bere Alston and Tavistock (sometimes known as the Drake Line) which is still in good condition. This will enable Tavistock to be linked to Plymouth again and provide not only a commuter link, but also a major tourist route, thereby enhancing the local economy and taking traffic off the over congested A386. The project is already in the Devon County Council Structure Plan and the site for the new station is allocated in West Devon?s Local Plan at Monksmead. All we now need is for the community to work together with the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership to ?make this happen?. So, come on everyone! John G Taylor Chairman Tavistock Forward