A £10 MILLION-plus proposal to reinstate the railway between Bere Alston and Tavistock was due to be discussed by Devon County Council on Tuesday. The county has been approached by Kilbride Properties Ltd to work together in a joint venture to re-open the former railway and to provide a footpath and cycleway running parallel with the rail line. Cllr Margaret Rogers, the county's executive member for environment, said: 'The idea of reinstating the railway to Tavistock has been considered for more than 15 years. It would significantly enhance public transport in the area and would hopefully reduce congestion between Plymouth and Tavistock. 'Both the rail links and completion of the cycle route meet the county council's aims to make Devon even greener, and it could give a great boost to local tourism.' The re-opening of the railway line and provision of a railway station at Tavistock are included in the county's adopted structure plan, Devon 2016, and the current West Devon Local Plan includes proposals for 250 homes next to the proposed railway station, south of Callington Road. The executive committee approved the principle of the county acquiring the former railway track bed between Bere Alston and Tavistock in October 2006 to create walking and cycling trails to access the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape Heritage sites. Discussions are already underway with the British Railways Board Residuary Body and those who own sections of the land, and some land clearance has been undertaken. Kilbride Properties is prepared to provide the funding for the necessary orders through parliament under the Transport and Work Act to reinstate the railway.
