MORE than a hundred serious enquiries have been received concerning the sale of Okehampton Station. Roy Gibbs, proprietor of Hobby Horse Models, which is based at the station, has put it on the market due to ill-health.

However, Mr Gibbs says he is in no rush to sell. His main concern is that the premises consisting of a model shop, restaurant and platform complex go to a suitable buyer.

'It has got to be the right person who will take it to their heart as I do,' said Mr Gibbs.

'I know I have got to be flexible but at the same time I don't want it changed beyond recognition.'

He said one offer involved turning the premises into a theme area for railways — but pointed out the 128-year-old Okehampton Station was 'the real thing'.

'It is all down to the right person emerging from the negotiations,' said Mr Gibbs. He said he was hoping someone might invite him to stay on for a few days a week so he would not have to totally sever his links with the project he has built.

Work is now well under way on the improvements to Okehampton Station. It is expected to be completed early next month — in time for the start of the Dartmoor Rover Service which commences on May 28.

Mr Gibbs said already the section of track is in place. All the work is being carried out by Dartmoor Railway.

'They have realigned the points at the Meldon end — and the next phase is to put a point in at the Exeter end to create a run-round loop,' he said.

This will be ideal for visiting steam specials as the locomotive can change ends in the station instead of having to travel on to Meldon Quarry.

'It will also be helpful when the new freight terminal for the North Road Industrial estate is created because diesel locomotives can use the loop to run around their wagons,' said Mr Gibbs.

The station car park extension is almost finished with the area now stretching down to the site of the old engine shed. This will provide extra parking for about 50 cars.

'The footbridge over the line has been shotblasted. Undercoats are now going on. It will shortly receive the resplendent green and cream livery of the former Southern Railway,' said Mr Gibbs.

'The next job will be the raising of the western end of the down-platform to the same specification as the up-platform.

'There will also be a disabled ramp coming off the back of the down-platform to give access to the Youth Hostel.'

A shuttle service between the station and Meldon Viaduct will run over the Easter period using a diesel shunter and a couple of coaches.