THERE are renewed hopes for rail campaigners that the former rail route between Exeter and Plymouth via Okehampton and Tavistock could be re-opened.

As the Times was going to press, the Department of Transport confirmed that a feasibility study would be carried out into reviving the fomer London and South West Railway route, as an alternative to the Dawlish line, so badly damaged by last winter's storms.

Details of the new feasibility study emerged in the Government's six year National Infrastructure Plan, which could form part of a spending plan from 2019.

See next week's Times for reaction to the news.