MP urges government to protect Tavistock rail link funding

A Devon MP is set to attend her first meeting as a member of the Transport Committee on 5 November. 

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, is set to take on a new role that gives her a crucial platform to champion key rail projects, including the restoration of the Tavistock-Plymouth line, which she sees as vital for improving transport links across Devon.

Tavistock has been without a rail service since 1968. Passenger services at Tavistock South station were withdrawn on 31 December 1962, though goods traffic continued until 7 September 1964. 

Passengers could still travel from Tavistock North station until it closed in 1968. The restoration of this line is seen as a key step in reconnecting the town to Plymouth and easing traffic congestion on local roads.

In interviews with the BBC, Ms Smith stressed the importance of retaining the £1.5 million allocated for completing the business case for the Tavistock-Plymouth rail project. 

She warned that any cuts to this funding could delay construction for years, further impacting Devon’s infrastructure development.

The Transport Committee, a cross-party group that scrutinises the Department for Transport’s work, will allow Ms Smith to push for improved connectivity in the region. 

With a focus on sustainable economic growth, she has said she is committed to addressing key infrastructure needs that impact her constituency.

Ms Smith, a long-time advocate for rail improvements in South West Devon, has been vocal about her concerns over potential redirection of funds initially set aside for the High Speed 2 (HS2) project. 

She emphasises that maintaining the funding is crucial to ensure progress on the Tavistock-Plymouth rail link.

The project has garnered local support from groups like TavyRail, with West Devon Borough Council expressing concerns about the impact of growing housing developments on the A386 without a sustainable transport plan.

Better rail connections are seen as essential for the region’s future.

“The restoration of the Tavistock-Plymouth line is about unlocking the opportunity to do a metro rail link which is in the joint local plan, as well as connecting East Plymouth.

“It’s there – if we want more homes and we want more jobs, we’ve got to provide the transport infrastructure, and I believe this money that was located from HS2 will able that work”

In addition to the Tavistock-Plymouth line, Ms Smith is also involved in the campaign to complete remedial works at Dawlish, ensuring resilient rail connections for Devon. 

Her new role on the Transport Committee will also see her tackling broader transport issues, including bus services, active travel, and maritime transport.