RESIDENTS in West Devon and East Cornwall are being urged to give their views on proposals to re-open the railway between Tavistock and Bere Alston.

Devon County Council wants to reinstate the section of railway, which closed in the 1960s, to help minimise the impact of traffic resulting from planned development to the south and south-west of Tavistock, including 750 new homes.

Information days will be held by the council in Tavistock and Bere Alston next Wednesday and Thursday — January 30 and 31.

The proposals include the construction of a 9km new single track railway to link Tavistock to Bere Alston and on to Plymouth, and the opening of a new cycleway and footpath which will link Tavistock with the Bere Peninsula.

The pedestrian and cycle route would also link with other existing cycle and pedestrian trails in Tavistock to ensure good access to the station, as well as provide an attractive leisure route.

A new station in the Callington Road area of Tavistock would include facilities for passengers as well as parking, cycle storage and links to local bus services to ensure good access to the town centre. The existing station at Bere Alston would also be upgraded.

The aspiration is eventually to have an hourly service between Tavistock and Plymouth.

The new railway line would use the structures, cuttings and embankments left intact when the original line was decommissioned, although some strengthening work would need to be done to bring them in line with modern load standards and ensure they are suitable for the life of the railway.

The project forms part of West Devon Borough Council's Core Strategy, which was adopted in April 2011, and funding will largely come from developer contributions alongside contributions from Central Government and Devon County Council.

The county council has also underlined the importance of this project by identifying it for investment over the next 15 years in the Local Transport Plan.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, the county council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'For many years there has been an ambition to re-open the railway line between Tavistock and Bere Alston.

'When the line was taken out of use in 1968, it left the A386 as the primary link between Tavistock and Plymouth, which has understandably become very congested in recent years.

'Re-opening it will help minimise traffic on the busy A386 by freeing-up the highway network to improve the consistency of bus services and improving travel options for residents and businesses with a direct rail service on the popular commuter routes between Tavistock and Plymouth.

Tavistock county councillor Debo Sellis said: 'I suggest residents attend the information events and find out as much as they can about the plans.

'We are advised the reinstatement of the rail track will be of benefit to commuters. The route travels through outstanding scenery and I hope that this is a start to increased rail provision in the West Country in general.'

Cllr Philip Sanders, who represents Bere Alston on the county council, said: 'This is a long awaited scheme which, as well as providing a facility for people to commute into Plymouth, will also produce a spectacular train ride through the Tamar Valley and on into the countryside leading to Tavistock. I'm sure it will be popular with those wanting to explore the area by foot or bicycle.

'As a keen cyclist I really look forward to the opportunity of a dedicated cycle route into the Bere Peninsula, and I know this is something that will be welcomed by local residents.

'I am delighted that this scheme has advanced to the stage of public consultation and would encourage everyone to come along and express their views and show their support for this much needed facility.'

The information events will be in Tavistock Pannier Market on January 30 from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Tavistock Town Hall from 5.30pm to 8pm, Bere Alston Station from 2pm to 5.30pm on January 31 and Bere Alston Village Hall from 6pm to 8pm.