The leader of Teignbridge District Council has thrown his support behind plans to reopen the disused rail line from Newton Abbot to Heathfield.
The four mile stretch of line was closed in 1959, and in recent years, use of the line has dwindled to just the occasional freight train.
But the Heath Rail Link have been given permission by Network Rail to lease the line, and passenger trains could resume running by 2020.
Network Rail have told the group that providing the group can find the funding for the rolling stock and for a park and ride station in Heathfield, they will ensure that the line is in working order for the group.
As part of Teignbridge District Council’s ten-year strategy, one of the council’s goals is to work closely with and to contribute to the design of key transport infrastructure in the district – and it includes improved use of the Heathfield railway station.
Cllr Jeremy Christophers, leader of Teignbridge District Council, has said that the council will need to look at the business case but are focused on supporting transport improvements.
Cllr Christophers said: “This is great news for Heath Rail Link – congratulations to them. Teignbridge has a proven track record in working with partners to improve transport links – for example the upgrade of Drumbridges, our contribution to the South Devon Link Road, more dedicated cycle routes, the Granite and Gears project with Dartmoor National Park and safer on-road cycling.
“We’re keen to see an improved use of the Heathfield railway line and we are focused on supporting transport improvements that can help to drive a strong economy. We’ll need to look at the detail of the business case when it comes forward but this is a positive step in the right direction.”
And a previous overview and scrutiny meeting for the council confirmed that although funding has not yet been identified for progressing feasibility work associated with the improved use of the Newton Abbot to Heathfield railway line, bids have been made through the budget setting process.
The report adds: “Internal bids for consultancy budget to consider Newton Abbot/Heathfield line feasibility have been submitted and will be reviewed during the budget setting process.”
Michael Cooke, chairman of Heath Rail Link said: “Network Rail have given us permission to open the line and have granted us a long term lease. This is fantastic news for us and everyone who has supported us.
“They will carry on maintaining the line, with some help from us, for the foreseeable future, and with the added option also to buy the line off of Network Rail when everything at our discretion has taken off.
“We are absolutely gobsmacked for words. Now though is the next hard battle to start funding it, running it, and getting business investment.
“The line is still in place and it is realistic that services could resume by 2020, providing that we get the funding.”
The group was recently invited to walk the old railway line to see from themselves its condition, and Mr Cooke said there is nothing about the line that would not be repairable.
He added: “We are unsure as to how much money will be needed, and we will need to purchase the stock, and we are still putting together a business plan, but we think that there is hope that by 2020 passenger trains could be running on the line.”
The campaign has gathered support with almost 3,000 people signing a petition backing the proposals – and has also drawn support from Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris also supported the plans and said that if a good business case can be made to reopen this line as a tourist attraction, then so much the better.
Cllr Gordon Hook also threw his support behind the plans and said: “I have supported the re-opening to passenger traffic of the Heathfield line since forever.We live in an entirely different world to the 1950s when passenger traffic ceased on this line, and we need to adapt our transport thinking accordingly.
“This line would be a big help towards reducing traffic congestion in and around Newton Abbot if visitors and commuters can be encouraged out of their cars and onto alternative methods of transport.
“It would be a big help in reducing air pollution in Newton Abbot, which is a large and growing problem, responsible for much ill health. It could be used as a park and ride facility for Heathfield, Bovey Tracey and Moorland residents attracted to Newton for work, shopping or leisure activities. Newton Abbot has an ever-increasing ‘offer’ and yet traffic and parking remain a problem. Let’s give people the opportunity to arrive in town without all the hastle associated with car use. I am totally committed to doing all I can to bring passenger trains back to Heathfield.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We have held further discussions with the Newton Abbot to Heathfield revival Group regarding the feasibility of reopening the line. We welcome any plans to upgrade the railway and will continue to work with the group should they wish us to investigate further.”
