THE report on the meeting and discussion for a ten-year regeneration plan for Princetown (Times, December 31), made me think. Would it not be possible to re-open the old steam railway line?
Parking areas would be necessary, fencing and funding would be an initial concern, as would the views of local people, Dartmoor National Park Authority and Dartmoor Preservation Society among others.
There is enormous interest and enthusiasm these days for the old steam railways and engines. All ages from the young to the elderly visit them, film them and take nostalgic rides. I believe it would be a big boost for tourism in the area with added business for holiday accommodation, cafés and shops and a boost for local employment.
Rosalie Gelling
Yelverton
I WOULD definitely use a reinstated rail link between Bere Alston and Okehampton although personally only for leisure as I am retiring soon.
This route would not only provide a diverson when the GWR is shut but would also open up large areas of North Devon and Cornwall to the rail network. It should, if possible, be to meet main line standards to allow South West Trains to run direct from Waterloo.
At times of line closure or engineering work, I personally do not travel as I do NOT want to travel on replacement buses! Numerous upgrades around the rest of the county, particularly in the London area, seem to get priority and we are left by the wayside.
I am definitely not against rail upgrades elsewhere, the more the better but I feel that we should be getting our fair share, after all my taxes are the same as everyone else’s and I want to see the South West developed we are not just a holiday destination.
The Government seems to think that if it says the Westcountry this includes us but what it really means is Bristol and South Wales.
Mike Rothery