THERE was good news for West Devon and East Cornwall rail travellers this week with news that the full Tamar Valley Line service has been safeguarded in the new rail franchise.

A price has also been sought from prospective bidders to operate Tavistock trains seven days a week,

The Government announcement has safeguarded the full Gunnislake-Plymouth Tamar Valley Line train service in the new franchise to operate West of England rail services, which starts next year.

The position was confirmed in the 'Invitation to Tender', which has just been issued to the four train companies who are bidding to run trains over the whole network extending west from London's Paddington station from 2013 to 2028.

The 'Invitation to Tender' is in effect the contract specification for the new franchise.

Included in the safeguarding is the very early weekday train from Gunnislake to Plymouth, which was threatened when the franchise was last let in 2006, and the additional weekday train introduced by First Great Western in December 2008. Trains will continue to run on Sundays throughout the year too.

The Government has also asked the bidding companies to provide a price for running eight trains each way daily, including Sundays, between Plymouth and Tavistock in addition to the Gunnislake service when, as is hoped, the line between Bere Alston and Tavistock reopens.

Richard Burningham, manager of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, which works to promote the line, told the Times: 'I am delighted that the full Tamar Valley Line service is to be safeguarded in the new franchise. This reflects the importance of the line to the communities it services and the great increase in use in the last few years — with 2011 a third busier than 2006.

'This is a really excellent result. Thanks to all the local people who wrote to the Department for Transport.

'With regards to Tavistock, there is still much debate about the best way to serve both Tavistock and Gunnislake. Running the core service between Plymouth and Tavistock with a connecting shuttle at Bere Alston for Calstock and Gunnislake would provide a more frequent service on both legs of the line‚ nearly hourly, between Plymouth and Tavistock, than the alternative proposal.

'It would mean some additional infrastructure work at Bere Alston station and what would be involved is being carefully looked at.

'Whatever is finally decided, Tavistock's inclusion in the 'Invitation to Tender' is yet another step on the way to seeing trains return.

The four companies who are bidding to run the train services are First Group, owner of current operator First Great Western, National Express, Arriva and Stagecoach. The bidders now have until October 25 to draw up and submit their bids.

The winner will be known in February or March next year and the new franchise is scheduled to begin on Sunday, July 21.