AS the prospective parliamentary candidate for the Labour Party in West Devon and Torridge, I have written to the three train companies (First Great Western, National Express (who own Wessex Trains) and the London and Western Railway Company) who are all likely to submit a tender for the Greater Western franchise which will be available in 2006. My letter concerned the need for a regular commuter train service from Okehampton to Exeter. The response so far has been positive in that the companies claim that they will be consulting stakeholders in the area. The people of Okehampton and the surrounding villages would benefit enormously, not least in environmental terms. We are all fully aware of the need to reduce congestion in Okehampton. A couple of years ago, the Okehampton Times reported the agreement to establish a car park in Okehampton for 200 cars and also a petition signed by 2,000 residents. In order to encourage the companies to make a commuter service part of the tender for the bid, we all need to write to the companies letting them know how we feel. If as individuals we do not take action now, then this will be a lost opportunity for Okehampton and the surrounding villages. Rebecca Richards Prospective parliamentary Labour candidate for West Devon and Torridge
