THE Drake Line between Tavistock and Bere Alston, which was closed 33 years ago, could be re-opened to rail passengers.

The railway line is earmarked for possible re-opening in a new report examining the feasibility of resuming services on hundreds of railway lines across the country.

It would cost an estimated £8 million to return the line to working condition.

The report, entitled 'Beeching in Reverse — the case for a programme of line and station reopenings', looked at the feasibility of re-opening railway lines across the country which were closed in the 1960's under the Beeching cuts. Ironically, the Drake Line was not actually recommended for closure under the Beeching review, but was closed soon after.

The former Drake Line, closed in 1968, was one of only two lines to meet all the criteria for re-opening set out in the report.

Before the Drake Line could be reopened, track would have to be re-laid on the old track bed from Bere Alston to Tavistock.

This would join the towns to the national rail network via the Tamar Valley Line and provide a rail option for commuters who work in Plymouth.

David Incoll, of West Devon Borough Council, said: 'We have always been very supportive of re-opening the line. It is a very good candidate for reopening'.

Mr Incoll said that a survey of the trackbed had shown it was in good condition, meaning there was no inherent problem with reopening the line, but said it was a question of financial cost.

The scheme may be able to move forward if funding can be unlocked through a local partnership arrangement.

Devon County Council is also in favour of the scheme and hopes it will be adopted by train operators when the Strategic Rail Authority awards the next rail franchise.

A possible station site in Tavistock and the existing track bed are protected in the West Devon Borough Council's Local Plan.

Mr Incoll said a shuttle bus service could be introduced to link a station to the centre of Tavistock.

Reference to the scheme is also made in Plymouth City Council's Local Transport Plan covering Plymouth's travel-to-work area.

Plymouth City Council planning officer, Paul Brown, said the city council would be 'keen' to see the Drake Line reopened, as it would reduce road congestion, better serve local transport needs and increase tourism.

'We think it would make a lot of sense, but there are issues relating to funding,' said Mr Brown.

The scheme is also supported by the Rail Passengers Council, Platform, Railfuture and the Railway Forum, among others.