I?M glad John Taylor has brought up the subject of reconnecting Tavistock to the rail network (Letters, December 16). The sooner it happens the better, however I really cannot see why it should stop at Tavistock or why a new station is needed. After the closure of the line at Dawlish yet again due to bad weather a couple of months ago, it really is about time that both Devon and Cornwall County Councils realise that sooner or later an alternative line from Exeter to Plymouth is going to be needed, otherwise the West Country will find one day that all its train services will terminate at Exeter. Most of the formation between Okehampton and Bere Alston is intact and could be reinstated without too much trouble, either as a single line with passing loops or as double track. Yes, there would need to be some compulsory purchase of land and houses and whether or not the cycle track could be retained remains to be seen, but more house building means an increased population and providing a public service to this area of Devon must come first. I am led to believe that there is some opposition to any reopening. Some members of Devon County Council, if they read this, perhaps would explain why, when we all are urged to reduce our reliance on the car, they are against the provision of a rail service into this part of Devon. Paul Mercer Ivy Cottage Peter Tavy
