Tavistock Rail

but is it really ?

stock used 222's (new units),
HST's (new in 1976 and some were cascaded from East Coast in 92, so theyve been around for years)
150's did come from the midslands/wales but the 'sprinter' service (class 155's) of 1988 was with brand new units
143 units from the North East these were similar to 142 pacer units they were NEW in serivce on Western Region in 1986 (i think) .

the South West doesnt always get cast offs.

its the rural transport thats a joke, devons main population centres are REASONABLY catered for. cornwall ? well thats a different matter but with only truro as main population centre even that isnt badly served.
the newquay line has winter sunday trains now -something it NEVER had in BR days................

JonB wrote:

Lord Aviva wrote:

actually the devon train network just needs a high speed Plymouth-Exeter line.
a line on the moors would be a good idea though.

Yep, the rail network across the whole of our two counties is disgraceful. I didn't realise quite how substandard it was until I started to regularly use trains across the wider country quite recently.

What's also shocked me is how little the rest of the country cares..... When the South West network collapsed following the flooding (& services terminated at Taunton), there wasn't peep of the issue in London. People at work genuinely didn't believe me that there were no trains in Devon.

Yet if a single service is delayed by an hour from Manchester - well, it's headline news......

And even when it's working, down here the regularity & breadth of coverage of public transport is the bare minimum they can get away with...... I can get a train from Plymouth to Newton Abbot for around a fiver, but there's no bus to Bovey (a town of 5000 people) much after 6 o'clock - & the taxis charge £15..... Meanwhile, the old railway lines that still criss-cross our county decay further.... (or get subsumed into people's gardens....).

And the railway stock we get is the cast off from other lines.......

Bah.

I believe part of the road between Moretonhampstead and Bovey was once the railway line-you can still see the old station buildings as you approach the town on the left if my memory serves me correctly.Is the line from Heathfield to Newton Abbot still in situ? It was used for freight for years after passenger closure,i actually traversed the line on a 125 special working many years ago.Probably wouldn't take much to reinstate the line to Bovey,even if the station was in a different place, but that kind of action requires a bit of initiative and money,so it won't happen.Really makes you wonder what might have been for our railway system when you read of the Exmouth branch carrying 800k passengers per annum and still growing-Beeching wanted to close that line along with all the other south coast resorts but sense unusually prevailed and it stayed open.

Yep, the line from Heathfield to Newton is still laregly intact, albeit unused for some years now.

There's a canal that runs near to it as well - it was used by the Templars in transporting Dartmoor granite out of the county (a lengthy, interesting walk that when the tide's out can take you to a lovely pub; the Coombe Cellars).

The station in Bovey is now a 'Heritage Centre' - a small museum about the area. Also, further along, the station in Lustleigh has long been converted into a house.....

There's also a minute Argyle link - ole Peter Hall once told me that as a boy (!) he used to work on the trains that went along the Teign Valley, stopping at Chudleigh Knighton (I lived there at the time)... although I've no idea of the route it took.

Lord Aviva wrote:

actually the devon train network just needs a high speed Plymouth-Exeter line.
a line on the moors would be a good idea though.

And that's where I would man the barricades. The moor should be protected at almost all costs. No way should that area be spoilt by the major works required and a busy railway line!

Something will have to be done about the Teignmouth - Dawlish stretch of line. The last thing I read about was a proposal to tunnel under Haldon Hill. I've no idea of the cost or the logistics of that.

JonB wrote:

Yep, the line from Heathfield to Newton is still laregly intact, albeit unused for some years now.

There's a canal that runs near to it as well - it was used by the Templars in transporting Dartmoor granite out of the county (a lengthy, interesting walk that when the tide's out can take you to a lovely pub; the Coombe Cellars).

The station in Bovey is now a 'Heritage Centre' - a small museum about the area. Also, further along, the station in Lustleigh has long been converted into a house.....

There's also a minute Argyle link - ole Peter Hall once told me that as a boy (!) he used to work on the trains that went along the Teign Valley, stopping at Chudleigh Knighton (I lived there at the time)... although I've no idea of the route it took.

Did a bit of research,apparently the Heathfield line is back into use now as a timber carrier;

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I think there was a junction just after Heathfield station-straight on for Bovey and Moretonhampstead,right for Exeter via Chudleigh,Christow and Ide.Chudleigh was obliterated by the building of the A38 unfortunately,don't think that line will ever reopen.Interesting about Peter Hall being a railwayman-at Argyle matches home and away,he used to often say hello and have a chat with my late father,who worked on the railways during the 1950's and 1960's-thats probably how they knew each other,always wondered what the connection was.

Moving on,it would seem;

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

There has been what looks suspiciously like a portaloo and several different private cars on the trackbed at the bottom of the rough vehicle access way which branches off the lower Tavyy-Bere Alston road recently.Would seem a very odd item to put on an old raiilway trackbed if nothing was happening,maybe some work on the proposed pathway or some exploratory work on Shillamill tunnel/viaduct possibly.Interesting stuff.

Have your say on plan to reopen Tavistock railway



Residents in West Devon and eastern Cornwall are being asked for their views on proposals to reopen the railway between Tavistock and Bere Alston.

Devon County Council wants to reinstate the section of railway, which closed in the 1960s, to help minimise the impact of traffic resulting from planned development to the south and south-west of Tavistock, including 750 new homes.

The proposals include the construction of a 9km new single track railway to link Tavistock to Bere Alston and on to Plymouth and the opening of a new cycleway and footpath which will link Tavistock with the Bere Peninsular. The pedestrian and cycle route will also link with other existing cycle and pedestrian trails in Tavistock to ensure good access to the station, as well as provide an attractive leisure route.

A new station in the Callington Road area of Tavistock will include facilities for passengers as well as parking, cycle storage and links to local bus services to ensure good access to the town centre. The existing station at Bere Alston will also be upgraded.

The aspiration is to eventually have an hourly service between Tavistock and Plymouth.

The new railway line will use the structures, cuttings and embankments left intact when the original line was decommissioned, although some strengthening work will need to be done to bring them in line with modern load standards and ensure they are suitable for the life of the railway.

The project forms part of West Devon Borough Council’s Core Strategy, which was adopted in April 2011, and funding will largely come from developer contributions alongside contributions from central government and Devon County Council.

Devon County Council has worked alongside the Borough Council and other organisations to ensure that the planned development in the area is consistently formulated with supporting infrastructure. The County Council has also underlined the importance of this project by identifying it for investment over the next fifteen years in the Local Transport Plan.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said:

“For many years there has been an ambition to reopen the railway line between Tavistock and Bere Alston.

“When the line was taken out of use in 1968, it left the A386 as the primary link between Tavistock and Plymouth which has understandably become very congested in recent years.

“Reopening it will help minimise traffic on the busy A386 by freeing-up the highway network to improve the consistency of bus services and improving travel options for residents and businesses with a direct rail service on the popular commuter routes between Tavistock and Plymouth.

“It will also link rural West Devon with Plymouth and the wider national rail network, which will benefit our local economy by making it much easier for people to travel around the region.

“The new cycleway and footpath will also benefit the area by offering residents and visitors of West Devon and Plymouth with an attractive route between important parts of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

“It will no doubt prove to be a welcome addition to our growing cycle network which is fast turning Devon into a premier designation for cycling and cycle tourism, boosting the local economy by attracting many visitors to enjoy walking and cycling in our beautiful county.”

Councillor Debo Sellis, Devon County Council’s Local Member for Tavistock, said:

"I suggest residents attend the information events & find out as much as they can about the plans.

"We are advised the reinstatement of the rail track will be of benefit to commuters.

"The route travels through outstanding scenery and I hope that this is a start to increased rail provision in the West Country in general."

Devon County Councillor Philip Sanders, who represents Bere Alston, said:

“This is a long awaited scheme which, as well as providing a facility for people to commute into Plymouth, will also produce a spectacular train ride through the Tamar Valley and on into the countryside leading to Tavistock, and I’m sure it will be popular with those wanting to explore the area by foot or bicycle.

“As a keen cyclist I really look forward to the opportunity of a dedicated cycle route into the Bere peninsula, and I know this is something that will be welcomed by local residents.

“I am delighted that this scheme has advance to the stage of public consultation and would encourage everyone to come along and express their views and show their support for this much needed facility.”



[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] - comments

As long as it's not to the detriment of the Gunnislake branch!

knecht wrote:

As long as it's not to the detriment of the Gunnislake branch!

Never!

Gunnislake, gateway to the west and the civilised world!

I don't see there will ever be a threat to Gunny from this, it's about improving access to the Tamar Valley as a whole and as such should be welcomed, I can't wait for the train and the cycle track and will use both. What I am going to demonstrate about, and I mean really kick off about is the 750 houses, Tavistock doesn't need this at all, it will make the road and rail network unable to cope, Tavistock is already creaking with the weight of traffic, the school is filled to bursting point (I think it is second biggest comp in the country) the next thing will be another school to the south of the town and then more housing, Tavvy is a nice market town, don't f it up!

What about all the Romanians that are coming over here soon, they need housing

Fek them, I am more worried about my boys being able to live in the area, however most houses in Tavvy either go to incomes with more money than locals, that they have earned up the line, or housing authority lets that seem to be full of spouse and manc lads, dealing with immigration will ease the housing shortage, the fact that everybody wants to live down here is another issue.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]


COUNCIL chiefs examining the environmental impact of reinstating a disused railway line.

Devon County Council has submitted a report to the Planning Inspectorate setting out the environmental surveys that are planned to assess the re-instatement of the railway between Tavistock and Bere Alston, and development of a network of multi-use trails.

The County Council is progressing the project to re-open the rail line and provide multi-use trails in the Tavistock area.

Due to the scale of this project, it is classed as a nationally significant infrastructure project, meaning an application for Development Consent must be made to the Planning Inspectorate.

As this is the case, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may need to be undertaken.

The purpose of the report submitted by Devon County Council is to confirm whether an EIA is required as part of the application and, if so, request a view on its scope and content. This represents the first stage in the Development Consent Application process.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “This report to the Planning Inspectorate is an important first step toward gaining development consent. The re-instatement of the rail line and development of new trails will provide numerous benefits for Tavistock and the wider community. We’re committed to achieving this project to provide the essential infrastructure required to support the growth planned at Tavistock. It will open up access to the town while also tackling congestion on the A386.”

The original railway line between Tavistock and Bere Alston was closed in 1968 and a number of structures, such as bridges, cuttings and embankments are still in place, including the dramatic Shillamill Viaduct, and the Shillamill Tunnel.

The reinstatement of the railway line is identified as critical infrastructure in the West Devon Core Strategy, which was adopted in 2011. The line, which would provide a direct link between Tavistock and Plymouth, is required to support development in Tavistock, reduce traffic on the A386 and provide greater travel opportunities.

The establishment of the trails will link Tavistock to the Tamar Trails Centre and the existing network of routes in the Tamar Valley.

Councillor Philip Sanders, Devon County Councillor for Yelverton Rural, said: “The re-opening of this line is an essential part of the infrastructure needed to support the future development of Tavistock and its hinterland. The creation of a safe and predominantly off-road link for pedestrians and cyclists between Tavistock and the Tamar valley with its superb network of interlinking trials will be welcomed by residents and visitors alike.”

Councillor Debo Sellis, Devon County Councillor for Tavistock, said: “Momentum is steadily increasing and after the storm damage of last year and the ever increasing traffic on the A386, it is clear that this venture needs to be supported for future generations.”

The Planning Inspectorate will consult on the County Council report with stakeholders including local authorities, town and parish councils and other external organisations such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, Dartmoor National Park Authority and English Heritage.

years away maybe by 2025 ???

Elias wrote:

years away maybe by 2025 ???

It would be very interesting to see what would happen to the current plans should the government decide to reopen the Okehampton route as an alternative to the Dawlish line-i think a decision is to be announced in Osborne's statement early in December.If the reopening was the stated alternative,presumably it would be entirely funded by the government rather than partly by the roof tax due to be paid by Bovis on the 750 homes to be built on Callington Road.I suppose the homes are going to be built anyway,maybe Bovis will get away with it altogether and make a very fat profit from the scheme-they're probably praying for the line to reopen.Oddly enough i walked part of the line betwen Tavvy and Bere last summer and met a lady on the way with a strong Eastern European accent who was carrying out a Dormouse and Bat survey [no word of a lie,i hadn''t been on the old wacky baccy] of the line,particularly with regard to Shillamill tunnel,maybe that will be used as part of the submission.2025? Wouldn't surprise me but hopefully it will be sooner-jeez,it's been talked about since 1974-why is everything in this country so fecking slow?

Greenskin wrote:

Elias wrote:

years away maybe by 2025 ???

It would be very interesting to see what would happen to the current plans should the government decide to reopen the Okehampton route as an alternative to the Dawlish line-i think a decision is to be announced in Osborne's statement early in December.If the reopening was the stated alternative,presumably it would be entirely funded by the government rather than partly by the roof tax due to be paid by Bovis on the 750 homes to be built on Callington Road.I suppose the homes are going to be built anyway,maybe Bovis will get away with it altogether and make a very fat profit from the scheme-they're probably praying for the line to reopen.Oddly enough i walked part of the line betwen Tavvy and Bere last summer and met a lady on the way with a strong Eastern European accent who was carrying out a Dormouse and Bat survey [no word of a lie,i hadn''t been on the old wacky baccy] of the line,particularly with regard to Shillamill tunnel,maybe that will be used as part of the submission.2025? Wouldn't surprise me but hopefully it will be sooner-jeez,it's been talked about since 1974-why is everything in this country so fecking slow?

Sorry to have to break this to you GS but that's Cockney rhyming slang for 'who's this tw@t'

Les Miserable wrote:

Greenskin wrote:

Elias wrote:

years away maybe by 2025 ???

It would be very interesting to see what would happen to the current plans should the government decide to reopen the Okehampton route as an alternative to the Dawlish line-i think a decision is to be announced in Osborne's statement early in December.If the reopening was the stated alternative,presumably it would be entirely funded by the government rather than partly by the roof tax due to be paid by Bovis on the 750 homes to be built on Callington Road.I suppose the homes are going to be built anyway,maybe Bovis will get away with it altogether and make a very fat profit from the scheme-they're probably praying for the line to reopen.Oddly enough i walked part of the line betwen Tavvy and Bere last summer and met a lady on the way with a strong Eastern European accent who was carrying out a Dormouse and Bat survey [no word of a lie,i hadn''t been on the old wacky baccy] of the line,particularly with regard to Shillamill tunnel,maybe that will be used as part of the submission.2025? Wouldn't surprise me but hopefully it will be sooner-jeez,it's been talked about since 1974-why is everything in this country so fecking slow?

Sorry to have to break this to you GS but that's Cockney rhyming slang for  'who's this tw@t'

No problem Les, probably very appropriate in my case.

There are loads of bats in that tunnel, I used to make charcoal in the woods at shillamill and used to sit and watch them all fly out at dusk, as for Dormice they are pretty widespread. Could put the kibosh on the whole scheme?

Iggy wrote:

There are loads of bats in that tunnel, I used to make charcoal in the woods at shillamill and used to sit and watch them all fly out at dusk, as for Dormice they are pretty widespread. Could put the kibosh on the whole scheme?

There is an answer;

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Cunning, I like trains and bats, nice to see common sense used.

There always was a load of really old boats stored in there, proper historically important boats waiting to be refurbed, apparently the humidity is just right as you don't want a boat to dry out.

Iggy wrote:

There always was a load of really old boats stored in there, proper historically important boats waiting to be refurbed, apparently the humidity is just right as you don't want a boat to dry out.

That surprises me a bit. I'd have thought somewhere like that would be damper than Rosie Huntington-whiteley's nether regions after a few hours with the Czar...

Iggy wrote:

There always was a load of really old boats stored in there, proper historically important boats waiting to be refurbed, apparently the humidity is just right as you don't want a boat to dry out.

Is it same for old wife's will it stop them drying out?

Good read if you are on a long train journey


Need PDF to open to  read

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

--------_---------------------------------,,,--,,-------,,,,,,,-------------

This story from    Radio Plymouth.  Tuesday, June 9th 2015

Devon County Council are confident that a rail line linking Bere Alston and Tavistock will be built, provided funding's secured.

It's estimated that it could cost up to 25-million; Bovis Homes are set to contribute some of that money, as part of their plans for 750 homes just outside Tavistock. 

That deal could be concluded this summer, allowing the council to move on and apply to the local transport board to get the rest of the money they need. 

They'd still need to negotiate a lengthy planning process after that.

But Ben Nailer from Devon County Council says it could be opened in 2022 if all goes well:

'If we can start work by say 2019 to let a contract to reinstate the railway we'd be looking to open the railway by 2022, early 2022 is the current programme date.

'Obviously there are hurdles to overcome through that whole process, we've got to have negotiations with a number of the land owners, we have to gain network rail's approval and central government's approval to deliver the scheme

Tgwu wrote:

Good read if you are on a long train journey


Need PDF to open to  read

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

--------_---------------------------------,,,--,,-------,,,,,,,-------------

This story from    Radio Plymouth.  Tuesday, June 9th 2015

Devon County Council are confident that a rail line linking Bere Alston and Tavistock will be built, provided funding's secured.

It's estimated that it could cost up to 25-million; Bovis Homes are set to contribute some of that money, as part of their plans for 750 homes just outside Tavistock. 

That deal could be concluded this summer, allowing the council to move on and apply to the local transport board to get the rest of the money they need. 

They'd still need to negotiate a lengthy planning process after that.

But Ben Nailer from Devon County Council says it could be opened in 2022 if all goes well:

'If we can start work by say 2019 to let a contract to reinstate the railway we'd be looking to open the railway by 2022, early 2022 is the current programme date.

'Obviously there are hurdles to overcome through that whole process, we've got to have negotiations with a number of the land owners, we have to gain network rail's approval and central government's approval to deliver the scheme

Jesus wept, why is everything so fecking slow in these things? DCC have been involved in this scheme for at least 8 years now-why haven't negotiations with the land owners been started already FFS? I went to a meeting about this at Plymouth University in January 2014. At the meeting, the DCC rep said that the projected date for the line reopening was between 2016 and 2020-not work starting, the line reopening. The guy said that the DCO [approval by parliament]was being carried out in early 2015-now Mr Ben Nailer comes along and says that "central government approval has yet to be obtained". Why hasn't this been done already-are they that disorganised that the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing? Proper winds me up it does, this country seems to be a microcosm of Argyle sometimes- no vision, no organisation, no drive and no share in the distribution of funding. Damned project has been talked about since 1974-makes you wonder if DCC are really serious about it or they're just another bunch of lip service paying tossers. GET IT SORTED FFS!

Rant over.


BTW TGWU all I got when trying to open the link was something from CRPE asking if I was interested in sponsoring them-was I doing something wrong?