New station The Bodmin and Wenford Railway opened its new station at Boscarne Junction in August, bringing into operation two miles of new line. This is the fifth new/reopened station in Cornwall (not counting the short closure of Falmouth Docks and the narrow gauge tourist lines), the B&WR being responsible for over half of these. Boscarne Junction provides access to the popular Camel Trail to Wadebridge and Padstow. It is planned to offer a full service in 1997 to the main line at Bodmin Parkway and it is likely special evening services will be included. Thoughts are also being given to a diesel commuter service in addition to the steam services. The freight operation from Fitzgerald Lighting, which ceased with the demise of Speedlink, has been reintroduced with workings to Leith by English Welsh & Scottish Railway.
Plymouth move Devon county and Plymouth city councils have joined forces to plan a transport strategy for Plymouth. Moving in a New Direction aims to promote public transport as an alternative to cars. One aim will be to provide good travel information and work towards a city-wide ticket valid on all operators' services. MIND will also investigate park-and-ride sites and reopening rail lines and stations. Tavistock is already planned together with Trerulefoot. The society hopes that Plympton will also be considered.
Vandals rule Fresh concerns have been raised in the press about vandalism at the isolated new station of Digby and Sowton. It's hoped the future transfer of the nearby Sowton bus park-and-ride operation to Digby will help.
Mind block RDS is concerned about development on the former nine-mile Sidmouth to Feniton line. Last year a section of embankment was removed at Tipton St John and new houses built on the trackbed. We have written to express our concern about this summer's planning application for a further six dwellings. We fear they may encroach onto the trackbed.
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