I AM writing to express my concern at the proposed withdrawal of the 0608 Calstock/Plymouth rail service. At a time when there is clear evidence of the environmental damage caused by increasing road transport and growing support for rail transport as an environmentally and economically more efficient mode of transport it seems perverse to consider reducing the service which is currently offered on this line. This is particularly important because of the rural nature of the Bere Peninsula, Calstock and Gunnislake area, where the roads are narrow and often congested by agricultural vehicles. If those passengers who currently travel to work in Plymouth by rail are forced to drive, their journey time could be doubled or trebled. In a rural area such as this there are not many alternative employment opportunities and the withdrawal of this service would have serious social and economic consequences. There is also the issue of connections to London. It appears that increasing numbers of Bere passengers are benefiting from being able to catch the 0655 or 0735 Plymouth to London service using a Saver Ticket and enjoying a full day in London. Withdrawal of the early morning service will make this impossible. Withdrawal of the 2124 Plymouth/Gunnislake service will also affect the London/Plymouth service. Bere passengers will have to catch the 1703 from Paddington to Plymouth to connect with the 2039 to Gunnislake, thus reducing the time available in London and removing the incentive to use the London service which the Saver Ticket is designed to promote. As a member of the Devon County Council Community Rail Working Party I am anxious to see usage of rail increased in this community and the possibility of the existing service being reduced seems to be contrary to the objectives stated by the Strategic Rail Authority. Alan Hosking Devon County Councillor Yelverton Rural Division
