PUBLIC transport in and around Okehampton will be vital to local people and the area's economy, according to Central?Devon MP Mel Stride.

The Conservative MP?visited the Dartmoor Railway and Okehampton District Community Group and recently, meeting those who use and run the services, and discussing their future.

Dartmoor Railway, currently operates a tourist-orientated service on the heritage line.

Plans are being advanced to reopen a direct rail link between Okehampton and Exeter, connecting with mainline services to London and the north.

Mr Stride backed the plans, saying: 'There would be huge potential benefits if the line could be opened up.

'Not only would this provide a great connection to Exeter and beyond, but would also help get people out of their cars and on to public transport.

'Another key benefit of this project would be job creation — something that is going to be very important to Okehampton going forward.'

Mr Stride said he would seek talks with Dartmoor Railway's American owners to see how he could assist the project.

Kevin Busath, finance director of Dartmoor Railway and its parent company British American Railway Services Ltd, said: 'Both Ed Ellis, our president, and I make regular trips to the UK and we will be delighted to meet with Mr Stride at the earliest opportunity.

'We will welcome his input regarding potential rail passenger service between Okehampton and Exeter, and any suggestions he may have as to assistance he can provide.

'We are currently developing a business plan for the proposed service, which would be operated by an affiliated company, Devon and Cornwall Railways (DCR).'

Town councillor and chair of Devon County Council Christine Marsh has long supported the Dartmoor Railways plans. She said: 'It was good to see our local MP backing what are small issues for him, but big issues for the community.

'Both the community transport group and the railway are much needed services for this rural community, and the more the issues are highlighted and supported, the better.'

The railway was granted a freight license for the line in December, and is currently exploring potential passenger services with Devon County Council.

Mr Stride had first visited the Community Transport Group, which provides a community-led scheme, offering the vital 'Ring and Ride' and car share services in the area.

The scheme aims to help those living in rural areas, and those who find it physically difficult to use conventional public transport.

Pat Sawyer, chair of the transport group, said: 'We invited Mel along to see our new office and new wheelchair accessible vehicle.

'We are pleased that he could spare the time to visit and it gave us a chance to highlight some important issues facing us, such as increased fuel prices, funding cuts and lack of volunteer drivers.'

Mr Stride said: 'This service is so important at a time when rural bus services are under so much pressure, given the state of the nation's finances.

'I wholeheartedly commend the group's work and it is vital we continue to support them in any way that we can.'