Tavistock to Bere Alston line to be reinstated

In a highly anticipated decision, authorities have announced the reinstatement of a crucial rail connection between Tavistock and Bere Alston, effectively completing a vital railway line to Plymouth. This announcement has been met with widespread enthusiasm, as it is seen as a significant catalyst for economic growth and an improvement in the lives of the local population.

Following the Prime Minister's expected announcement regarding the cancellation of the multi-billion-pound HS2 project, a newly-established governmental entity known as Network North has declared its commitment to allocate funds for the enhancement of the national rail network. One of the noteworthy projects included in this initiative is the Tavistock to Bere Alston rail link, which has garnered enthusiastic support from leaders in West Devon. They view it as a substantial investment in the regional economy, with potential benefits extending to improved healthcare access, education, and tourism.

The government has also revealed a series of beneficial developments for the South West, which include:

·       Allocating funds to fortify the Exeter to Plymouth rail line, rendering it more resilient against extreme weather conditions.

·       Initiating new railway lines connecting Cullompton and Wellington.

·       The construction of a new station in Tavistock, facilitating a direct link with Plymouth, alongside the reinstatement of five miles of railway track.

·       Investment of £100 million in a Mass Transit system to revolutionise transportation in and around Bristol.

·       Establishment of a £1 billion fund dedicated to new road initiatives across the South West, South East, and East of England.

·       Access to a £2.8 billion fund for road resurfacing to combat the issue of potholes.

·       Extension of the £2 bus fare until the end of December 2024, rather than proceeding with the planned increase to £2.50.

·       Utilisation of £0.8 billion from the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement 2 budget, along with savings from the cancelled HS2 project, to support these endeavours.

In 1890, the Tavistock North station was inaugurated as part of the Plymouth Devonport and South Western Junction Railway's route connecting Plymouth to Lydford, where it interconnected with the London & South Western Railway's line from London. This move allowed the London & South Western Railway to operate trains directly from London to Plymouth, challenging the dominance of the Great Western Railway.

To distinguish it from the nearby Great Western Railway station, this station was initially known as Tavistock North.

Despite the closure of the railway line in 1968, the station itself, constructed from Dartmoor granite, remained intact and was eventually designated as a Grade II listed building in 1999. In 2007, the station underwent a transformation, being converted into three exclusive self-catering accommodation apartments.