BUSINESSES and politicians in West Devon have shown their enthusiasm to see the Okehampton and Tavistock rail link re-established at a meeting last weekend.

Representatives from businesses in both towns, county councillor for Okehampton Rural Division Kevin Ball and Central Devon MP Mel Stride were among those to attend a meeting last Saturday to discuss the importance for West Devon of the potential re-establishment of a rail line linking Plymouth to Exeter via Okehampton and Tavistock.

The severe damage to the Dawlish line during recent storms has highlighted the need to make the south west's travel links more resilient and offer alternatives to ensure that large parts of the region are not left cut off because of adverse weather.

While no firm decision has been made by Network Rail on an alternative route, the re-establishment of the Plymouth to Exeter line through Okehampton and Tavistock has been mooted as a genuine alternative to the Dawlish line should that line be rendered unusable.

Two other alternative routes being considered are in South Devon. County councillor Kevin Ball stated that he felt of the three alternative options being considered, the re-establishment of the line through West Devon was the best option.

Cllr Ball said: 'We need to be talking about this as an alternative line, not a replacement route for the Dawlish and South Devon coastal line.

Understandably, people in South Devon are sensitive about this and protective of the line through their area. We need to be aware of that.

'This isn't just about providing resilience to the wider transport network, this is an opportunity to re-energise business and tourism from the centre of the county outwards.

'There is no doubt businesses would benefit. There is no doubt that tourism would benefit. I also think that better transport brings a feel good factor to an area.

'When you look at the catchment, if you put a compass on the map and look at Okehampton, there are a lot of communities that would be prepared to come into the town to travel further afield. This is a real opportunity for us.'

Simon Earland, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses for West Devon, said: 'Network Rail must realise that the Dawlish line has a limited life. It is likely that it could fall into the sea in 20 years' time if we keep having this severe weather.

'This is a realistic and viable alternative for them and one that could really bring benefits to West Devon.'

James Stevens of Stevens Estate Agents felt that Okehampton could become a central hub for Devon commuters and businesses if the rail line were established.

He said: 'The road links to Okehampton are very good. People could easily come to Okehampton to commute, and they would, particularly if the parkway station got the go-ahead.

'Okehampton should be a distribution point for the south west. I have spoken to people visiting Okehampton on business and they are gobsmacked there is no rail link and find it staggering when they find out how far away the nearest rail station is.

'This is a great chance for businesses in the town and for Okehampton to play a central role in the county. It is one we have to go for.'

Mel Stride MP said: 'My sense is that there is a clear trajectory to clear a more viable and durable route to serve the south west peninsula, be it here, or one of the other alternatives suggested.

'I'll be pushing the Department For Transport and Network Rail to provide information on their plans for this line and whether they think this rail line is viable.

'It is likely that a new route will be persued. I buy into the argument from the Okehampton point of view that it could be a great boon for businesses, tourism and the town as a whole.

'As the representative for Okehampton and Central Devon, that is what I care about most.

'I am sold on the idea to need to fight for this line and I see the need to galvanise the energy here today, to unite to create as loud and cohesive a voice as can be representing as many people as possible.

'I have spoken to Geoffrey Cox and he is on board with this and keen to see the line re-open. This is the moment to get busy, get behind this and push for it.'

The meeting was organised by Alan Andrew, who runs garden machinery repair business, AGB Services, based at the Fatherford Farm Industrial Estate.

Alan said: 'I organised the meeting to try and keep the ball rolling on this. It could have a big benefit for both towns and the whole area and it is great to see such enthusiasm for it here today.

'It could help both business and tourism and really help Okehampton.'

A Facebook page campaigning for the line to be re-established has been set up and in less than a fortnight has over 1,700 members.

The page has been set up by Darren Bostock, who was in attendance at the meeting. He said: 'To have so many people signing up to the Facebook page in under a fortnight shows that there really is a lot of support for this rail link coming back through Okehampton and Tavistock.

'Everyone should show their support, and show that both towns want this rail line back.'