The Rail Passengers Committee for the West of England published its aspirations for the rail network in September with the document Western Advance – A plan for the growth of rail passenger services within Western England 2001-2020. Many proposals discussed in our South West Rail Strategy have been included.
In Devon, the railway from Barnstaple to Bideford and from Bere Alston to Tavistock would be reopened. A feasibility study for Okehampton to Tavistock and for the Sidmouth line, are included. Only missing from our own list of priorities is the four miles of disused railway from Tiverton to the Great Western main line at Tiverton Junction and extension of Paignton trains to Goodrington (park and ride) and beyond. In Cornwall, diversion of the Newquay line to serve St Austell and links to Bodmin and Wadebridge are supported.
Train frequencies would be improved by the provision of new passing loops on the Falmouth, Exmouth and Barnstaple lines. Track would be redoubled on the Cornish main line (Probus to Burngullow Junction) and from Exeter to Salisbury. Modernisation of the Great Western main line is called for with London to Exeter in 100 minutes and Penzance to Reading in 200 minutes.
If these aspirations are to become reality, the Strategic Rail Authority must incorporate these ideas into the franchise replacement process. It does seem there is a real chance of seeing an expanded south-west rail network, but there are still those working against it. Protection of the disused trackbeds remains vital. On the approach to the closed Sidmouth station houses have been under construction this year and they now block the route. It is not clear why, after so much campaigning, East Devon District Council continues to permit such development.
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