TRANSPORT secretary Chris Grayling has implied that the protection of the South Devon railway route was a priority over reopening an alternative route through Okehampton.

During his recent visit to the embattled stretch of rail line between Dawlish and Teignmouth, which was cut in the storms of February 2014, Mr Grayling said: ‘There is no option for the future that allows our railway links to Devon and Cornwall to be cut.

‘That has to be an absolute commitment from the Government. We can’t leave this railway link in a position where it is not open for the future. There is no way this or any other government can allow for this line to be cut for a long time or permanently.’

The storms of February 2014 tarnished the line at Dawlish, leaving Plymouth cut off for months. Since then the sea wall has been strengthened and the line reinstated. Mr Grayling indicated that his intention was to continue protecting the South Devon route rather than to reopen an alternative route through Okehampton, as proposed by MPs in North Devon and North Cornwall.

Members of the working group Destination Okehampton have agreed that the South Devon line should be defended, however highlighted that because of the increase of passengers and the subsequent growing demand of the railway, much more is needed than just the sole protection of the current route.

Chris Bligh, rail advisor to Destination Okehampton, said: ‘We understand that the current rail route through Dawlish has to be defended and we support it. Why should the people of South Devon have to endure the poor rail connectivity that we have over the past half century? But, much more is needed than solely protecting the current route. Passenger growth in Devon and Cornwall is running at twice the national average and that shows no signs of stopping.

‘We are working to reinstate daily services to Okehampton as a first step in reopening the Northern Route through to Plymouth.

‘This will add capacity to the network, connect many places that cannot access rail easily at present and also give a significant economic uplift to the whole area around Okehampton, North Cornwall and West Devon.’

Cllr Michael Ireland, chair of Destination Okehampton, added: ‘I agree with the Transport Secretary that the coastal route to Plymouth and Cornwall must be kept open.

‘The potential losses to the business community of South Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall of an interrupted rail service must be safe guarded against.

‘Rather than speculate on government intentions we need to wait for the publication of the Peninsula Rail Task Force report and examine its recommendations for the region as a whole.

‘The line through Okehampton is important for the future economic growth of Plymouth and Cornwall, with the potential to provide additional capacity. Any future rail developments at Okehampton can provide an important economic driver for tourism and small businesses in North Cornwall and West Devon, something evident from the groundswell of public support at meetings held last week in Bude and Launceston. It is vital that we work with the Government and colleagues in South Devon and Plymouth for the benefit of the peninsula as a whole.’