BUSINESSES and politicians in West Devon showed their enthusiasm to see the Tavistock rail link re-established at a meeting in Okehampton last weekend.

Representatives from businesses in both Tavistock and Okehampton, county councillor for Okehampton Rural Division Kevin Ball and Central Devon MP Mel Stride were among those at last Saturday's meeting to discuss the importance for West Devon of the potential re-establishment of a rail line linking Plymouth to Exeter via Okehampton and Tavistock.

The severe damage to the Dawlish line during recent storms has highlighted the need to make the South West's travel links more resilient, and offer alternatives to ensure that large parts of the region are not left cut off because of adverse weather.

While no firm decision has been made by Network Rail on an alternative route, the re-establishment of the Plymouth to Exeter line through Okehampton and Tavistock has been mooted as a genuine alternative to the Dawlish line should that line be rendered unusable.

Richard Searight runs 2Day Microportals in Milton Abbot, and is a member of the Tavistock Chamber of Commerce.

He said: 'The meeting was tremendously positive and all the useful people were there. The case for opening up Devon and making viable access to the wider area with this line is overwhelming. It kills two birds with one stone.

'Tavistock and Okehampton desperately need trains, and this line would offer a real alternative to the Dawlish line. I think it would transform the area. For anyone trying to run a bed and breakfast, or pick up their children from a train from London, it is an hour's journey to the nearest station. It would be of massive benefit to business, tourism and commuters.

'A lot of heavy lifting has already been done, with regards to tunnels and track beds.

'It is probably the cheapest of all the alternative options being presented, and the most realistic. It is absolutely a realistic goal.

'It has been costed and surveyed, and rail professionals say this is their preference. It would have a tremendous positive impact on our area and beyond, places like Launceston and further afield. It would be a big move for the entire region.'

Two other alternative routes being considered are in South Devon. County councillor Kevin Ball said that he felt of the three alternative options being considered, the re-establishment of the line through West Devon was the best option.

Cllr Ball said: 'We need to be talking about this as an alternative line, not a replacement route for the Dawlish and South Devon coastal line. Understandably, people in South Devon are sensitive about this, and protective of the line through their area. We need to be aware of that.

'This isn't just about providing resilience to the wider transport network. This is an opportunity to re-energise business and tourism from the centre of the county outwards. There is no doubt businesses would benefit. There is no doubt that tourism would benefit. I also think that better transport brings a feel good factor to an area.'

Simon Earland, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses for West Devon, said: 'Network Rail must realise that the Dawlish line has a limited life. It is likely that it could fall into the sea in 20 years' time if we keep having this severe weather. This is a realistic and viable alternative for them, and one that could really bring benefits to West Devon.'

A Facebook page campaigning for the line to be re-established already has more than 1,700 members. To see the page visit http://www.facebook.com/okehamptonraillink">www.facebook.com/okehamptonraillink