THERE are renewed hopes for rail campaigners that the former rail route between Exeter and Plymouth via Okehampton and Tavistock could be re-opened.

As the Times was going to press, the Department of Transport confirmed that a feasibility study would be carried out into reviving the fomer London and South West Railway route, as an alternative to the Dawlish line, which was so badly damaged by last winter's storms.

Network Rail had been looking at creating an alternative inland route across the moor, which had been described as 'poor value'.

But details of the new feasibility study have emerged in the Government's six year National Infrastructure Plan, and the Department of Transport has confirmed that a further report would be compiled on the Okehampton line, involving local authorities. This could form part of a spending plan from 2019.

See next week's Times for reaction to the news.