A NUMBER of rail lines that were closed during the Beeching cuts in the 1960s and later British Rail cuts in the 1970s could be reopened, the Transport Secretary has announced — giving fresh hopes to campaigners hoping to see a full-time link between Tavistock and Plymouth.

Chris Grayling has said he wants to revive old routes to encourage house building, ease overcrowding and boost the economy.

During the 1960s, hundreds of local rail lines and thousands of stations were closed down on the recommendation of then British Railways chairman Dr Richard Beeching. Tavistock lost its line linking it to Bere Alston and Plymouth in 1968.

The Government is publishing its rail strategy today (Wednesday). Ministers will invite proposals to reopen lines — though critics of the Government’s announcement have pointed out that no additional money or firm schemes had been announced.

Mr Grayling announced that the Government would seek to work with local partners to develop proposals for new rail schemes.

The news could also be good for other communities in West Devon, with the line linking Okehampton to Exeter another potential target for reopening.

The Okehampton to Exeter rail link already has a strong backing locally, with the OkeRail Forum and local councillors having lobbied the Government for years about the need to reopen the line.

Picture by James Bird.