services were this week suspended at one of Okehampton's main tourist attractions — but there may still be light at the end of the tunnel. All services at Dartmoor Railway, which attracted more than 20,000 visitors last year, have been suspended — all operations connected with the railway are now closed, apart from the stone trains which are still running from Meldon Quarry. The current owners of Dartmoor Railway, Ealing Community Transport, announced at the start of April they were seeking new owners for their rail investments. But in a statement ECT said the station and services have now had to close because of vital staff resignations. Said the statement: 'There have been vital staff who have decided to leave so it meant it has not been possible to continue running the services.' The Sunday Rover service has been suspended while the shop and buffet at Okehampton station have been closed. For the past four years the railway has been owned by ECT, a social enterprise based in London, who state they are committed to providing better and sustainable community services. Their statement continued: 'It has proved increasingly difficult for ECT to provide the necessary management focus and investment. 'We are therefore seeking new ownership and investment for our rail business. In the interim, Dartmoor Railway has provisionally closed its buffet and shop and temporarily suspended the service running between Okehampton and Meldon stations. 'We believe this railway has a great future and we already have two parties extremely interested in taking on the challenge and opportunity.' Two prospective purchasers are currently going through a 'due diligence' process with a view to submitting formal proposals by the end of the week. Okehampton mayor Tony Leech, who has been in contact with Steven Sears the managing director of ECT, said: 'They do have two serious buyers who will be putting in proposals by the end of the week. 'It strikes me that this is a lot more positive than it is being portrayed. ECT are positive for us and very concerned that they won't be able to see this through and sorry they are not able to continue. 'Julian Crowe, from First Great Western, is still more than interested in getting the railway back onto the main line.' Okehampton county councillor Christine Marsh added: 'Devon County Council are talking with First Great Western who might pick up the Sunday Rover service. 'We are trying to get support to keep the shop and buffet side of it open because having half of it open will be better for the railway, Okehampton and ECT, than having nothing at all running, because it will be more appealing to prospective buyers.' The Friends of Dartmoor Railway held a meeting on Tuesday, to try and find a way they can still operate some of the services. Cllr Marsh, who attended the meeting, said: 'There were more than 40 people there, all with enormous enthusiasm. 'Volunteers will be submitting a proposal to ECT because there is a will to try and keep the buffet running, and 20 people are already willing to be trained in health and safety so they can deal with food. 'It's typical of this area, when the chips are down, people are willing to help and support in all ways they can and I'm proud to be part of them.' Anyone interested in volunteering or helping in any way should contact Stuart McQueen on 07765023369 or [email protected]">[email protected] The railway's future could potentially see Okehampton become part of the route from the South West through to London. Robin Jones, editor of Heritage Railway magazines, believes the line will become strategically important if the Bere Alston and Tavistock stretch of line to Meldon was reinstated, as it would be a possible alternative route for mainline trains travelling to London if the exposed southern route via Dawlish was out of action. This 'dream scenario' would see Okehampton and Crediton back on the mainline and help provide much needed public transport links to the towns.
