THE potential return of rail links to Okehampton and town community groups were the two big talking points at this year's town assembly meeting.

During the question and answer part of Monday's meeting, several questions were raised on the potential return of a passenger rail service to Okehampton. Councillors expressed their enthusiasm to see the return of the railway, and pledged to do what they can to bring passenger services back to the town.

County councillor Kevin Ball said: 'The railway coming back to Okehampton really would bring regeneration not just for our economy but for leisure, tourism and so much more. It would be so positive for the area, and would put Okehampton on the map. It would have a positive effect not just on us here in Okehampton, but on the entire south of the county, and beyond into Cornwall.'

Town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies felt the return of the rail link to Exeter was crucial in light of the major housing developments planned for the future on the east of Okehampton.

He said: 'Every town and village is asking the same question of employment for new residents. If we can get a good rail link here, it would help for commuters who may want to work in Exeter.

'While we are keen to see the route from Plymouth to Exeter through Okehampton and Tavistock re-established, if that cannot happen we must still fight for the link between Okehampton and Exeter.'

Cllr Michael Ireland is a long-term advocate of rail services returning to Okehampton. He said: 'Now is the time to fight for this, and if people in Okehampton want it to return, they must make their voices heard on this important issue.'

The town assembly offers the public the chance to ask questions of the council and share their views on how the town is being run.

The event took a different format this year, with representatives from a number of community groups giving talks on their work in Okehampton, including Wren Music, Get Changed Theatre Company and Okehampton and District Community Transport Group.

They shared information on their activities, how Okehampton Town Council grants have helped them, and their plans for the future.

Around 40 people showed up for the meeting at the Charter Hall, though many of these were community group representatives or councillors.

Cllr Tony Leech spoke of his disappointment that so few members of the community attended the event.

He said: 'We as a council get a great deal of stick. I found this out particularly around the time of the Tesco planning application.

'There were a number of personal comments made about councillors on Facebook. Overall I felt there was no respect for town council members, who do it all for nothing, we do it free of charge. We do it for the community.

'People should turn out on nights like this and give us some real stick, or give members credence for what they do for the town.'