WE live at Lydford Station and the proposed reinstatement of the railway would literally shatter our livelihood. We, and other owners of old railway land, feel quite disgusted and disconcerted that whilst these talks and consultations take place, no one has thought to consider or consult those that live on or near the line. Has anyone from Government, the council or these rail groups actually seen the condition of the ground at former rail line locations? The drainage at Lydford Station is so non existent it's now a SSSI called Lydford Station Ponds (here's hoping that Natural England might be on our side then). Quite apart from instantly being labelled a NIMBY, we oppose the reinstatement of the line anyway. How many families do you think will board a train for their week's holiday to Devon or Cornwall with their children and belongings in tow? Very few at the moment and I don't think that will increase because once in the area, you need a car to get around. Yes, there's commuters, day trippers and school goers . . . But could someone do a public survey to seek their travel preferences? I for one, will always drive to Exeter/Plymouth because it's quicker and more convenient than parking my car and waiting for a train. I realise a feasibility study may be in progress. I just hope they enquire into EVERY area before they invest all this money. Otherwise we'll be seeing empty trains going up and down the valley (after being compulsory purchased, having found our dream home after 4 years of looking OR our only asset that we've worked extremely hard for being slashed in value), with no one but nostalgic enthusiasts on board. Geoffrey Cox, if you're reading this, don't keep us in the dark. We would like to know what our futures hold by being kept informed personally as this unfolds, rather than reading it in the paper. Danielle Otnes Lydford