THE potential re-opening of the rail link between Exeter and Plymouth, via Okehampton and Tavistock, was highlighted by Chancellor George Osborne in a six-point plan for long term economic regeneration for the South West.

The Chancellor, who was in Plymouth on a pre-election tour of the region, spoke in Plymouth of his six point plan earlier this week.

Mr Osborne said he would develop a comprehensive rail strategy by setting up a South West Peninsula Rail Task Force, which would look at the potential for re-opening the rail route via Okehampton and Tavistock.

During his keynote speech, Mr Osborne was asked whether the Dartmoor and 'Dawlish avoiding line' could both be financed, to which he responded that he wouldn't have mentioned the line — the Plymouth to Exeter line via Okehampton and Tavistock — if he hadn't thought there was a very strong case for it.

Cllr Paul Vachon, mayor of Okehampton, was buoyed by the Chancellor's intentions.

He said: 'It is very good news and I must admit I am a bit surprised that Mr Osborne has said that.

'We have been looking at how the line would improve the economic regeneration of the area and it would help regenerate North Devon and North Cornwall as well as West Devon.

'It would be a big boost to the whole area.

'The fact that he has mentioned it means that they are obviously seriously thinking about it.

'It is very positive.'