MORE than 450 people have given their views on proposals to re-open the railway between Tavistock and Bere Alston.

Devon County Council wants to reinstate the section of railway, which closed in the 1960s.

The council believes the railway will help minimise traffic on the A386, link Tavistock to the national rail network and improve travel options for the town. It will also help to minimise the impact of traffic resulting from planned development to the south and south-west of Tavistock, including 750 new homes.

The proposals include the construction of a 9km new single track railway to link Tavistock to Bere Alston and on to Plymouth and the opening of a trail which will link Tavistock with the wider Bere Peninsula. The trail will also link with other existing cycle and pedestrian trails in Tavistock to ensure good access to the station, as well as provide an attractive leisure route.

The recent consultation was the first opportunity for the public to provide their views on the project, view information on the latest progress and ask questions.

Consultation events were held in Tavistock and Bere Alston, with approximately 60% of those who responded supporting both the railway and trail. Many commented on the sustainable travel advantages, and the potential for improving road conditions on the A386. Making Plymouth more accessible to West Devon was also considered a positive.

Negative comments were in relation to the impact of housing on Tavistock, the cost of the scheme and the fact that some felt that the new station site in Tavistock would be too far away to use.

County councillor Philip Sanders, who represents Yelverton Rural, said: 'I am pleased that so many positive responses were received. This important scheme will improve links between the town of Tavistock and the Bere Peninsula and will also assist in relieving some of the congestion on the A386 which links Tavistock and many of the surrounding villages to Plymouth.

'This road is already close to capacity and the proposed residential developments in Tavistock and Okehampton will increase the pressure on it, the planned rail link provides an ecologically sound alternative.'

Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council's cabinet member for economy and growth, said: 'For many years there has been an ambition to re-open the railway line between Tavistock and Bere Alston.

'Re-opening it will not only help minimise traffic on the busy A386 , but will to improve travel options for residents and businesses with a direct rail service on the popular commuter routes between Tavistock and Plymouth.'

Cllr Debo Sellis, Devon County Council's member for Tavistock, said: 'Devon County Council is clear about it's responsibility and ambition to secure travel options for future generations.'

The proposals include a new station in the Callington Road area of Tavistock, facilities for passengers as well as parking, cycle storage and links to local bus services to ensure good access to the town centre.

The existing station at Bere Alston will also be upgraded.

The aspiration is to eventually have an hourly service between Tavistock and Plymouth.

The new railway line will use the structures, cuttings and embankments left intact when the original line was decommissioned, although some strengthening work will need to be done to bring them in line with modern load standards and ensure they are suitable for the life of the railway.

Following the consultation, the county council will now undertake further work including surveys, greater environmental assessment and the drawing up of more detailed designs.

Further public consultations on the scheme will be held as the project progresses.

The county council is bidding for funding towards the scheme through the Heart of the South West Local Transport Board. The Board will be consulting the public and stakeholders on its prioritised programme in the early autumn.

The project forms part of West Devon Borough Council's Core Strategy and funding will come primarily from developer contributions and external funding bids.