THE parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Transport was in Okehampton last week to hear about the efforts being made to bring the railway back to the town. Claire Perry MP met with the town council working group Destination Okehampton, which has been working hard over the past few months on a strategy to boost the chances of ensuring a rail service returns to Okehampton. She was joined by Central Devon MP Mel Stride to hear about how important the return of the railway could be to the area. Mr Stride said: 'The meeting was very positive. Claire Perry was briefed very thoroughly before the meeting, and was familiar with what was being discussed. We stressed the impact the railway would have on growth and regeneration in the area, and I will be urging the Government to focus on that aspect when considering the reinstatement of the line. It could have a huge impact on the region over the next ten to 20 years. 'I would not write off the possibility that we could end up with something here. 'There are many processes to go through, but I feel that the 'northern line' would really deliver connectivity and solve many problems facing rural communities. Crucially, it could be so important for jobs and economic regeneration of this area. 'I really think we got the message across and achieved a great deal today.' In the past few months, Destination Okehampton has met with representatives from numerous communities, including from Okehampton Hamlets, Tavistock, Sampford Courtenay, North Tawton, Bow, Stowford, Bideford, Launceston and Buckland Monachorum in an effort to form a united front advocating the return of the railway. It is hoped that having councils, organisations and representatives from across the region advocating the return of the Okehampton line will add weight to the argument that the return of the line could bring huge economic benefits to West Devon, Torridge, North Devon and parts of Cornwall. Cllr Michael Ireland said: 'The minister was sympathetic to our argument. 'She could see how the geography of the area has an impact on travel, and she is familiar with the region so she was very understanding of much of our plight. 'She seemed to understand our message – and also took on board the argument that many of the resources needed for the work, in particular the ballast needed for the rail line, are at Meldon Quarry, and that would reduce the cost. 'That is something Network Rail has not taken into account in its valuation of the works. 'We are feeling positive. We are pushing for this, and we are not stopping with this issue. There is great momentum and enthusiasm to bring the railway back to Okehampton. 'Destination Okehampton has shown what can be achieved when parishes and communities come together and work toward a common goal.' Representatives from Holsworthy, Bude-Stratton and Tavistock were at the meeting with Mrs Perry MP to share their views on how important rail connectivity is to the area. Cllr Peter Moores of Bude-Stratton Town Council: 'Bude-Stratton Town Council fully supports the objectives of Destination Okehampton. 'The return of the line would facilitate easier access to the rail network for people in North Devon and Cornwall. 'It would also be the first step to see Bude reconnected to the rail network. 'If Okehampton could lead on to seeing Bude and Holsworthy reconnected, we are fully supportive of it.'