Plan to reopen rail station gets up steam
ACAMPAIGN to explore the reopening of one of the stations lost as part of the Beeching Axe is gathering steam.
Brent Station, which was situated on the main line between Plymouth and Exeter and served the village of South Brent, was one the many lines lost in the 1960s, closing in 1964.
But now, Totnes MP Anthony Mangnall, Councillor Richard Hosking, Cllr Peter Smerdon and South Brent Parish Council have joined forces to explore the viability of re-opening Brent Station.
Under the Government’s ‘Restoring your Railway Fund,’ resources have been made available to perform feasibility studies into re-opening disused railway stations.
Through the ‘Ideas Fund’, the Government is seeking proposals for projects to restore lost rail connections to communities.
The Department for Transport will fund 75% of costs up to £50,000 of successful proposals to help fund transport and economic studies and help create a business case, and Mr Mangnall and the councillors are keen to engage the wider community in the hope that this will create a localised campaign of support.
“Re-opening Brent Station would not only have a positive impact on the local economy, but remove cars from the road, reduce air pollution, help commuters by improving transport links, enhance tourism, and act as the Gateway Station to Dartmoor,” Mr Mangnall said.
“South Brent can also become the starting point for a multi-purpose trail on the Primrose Line to Kingsbridge. However, before we progress, it is important that we consult with residents of South Brent and the surrounding area to gauge their views.
“A positive response will lead to a working group being established to submit a proposal to Government in early March.
“I hope that as many people as possible will take the opportunity to register their views.”
Cllr Hosking, who represents the South Brent area on Devon County Council, said: “Providing an alternative to the A38 and enhancing the potential timetable for a convenient and frequent local train service for commuters, schoolchildren and goods, both to and on stops between Exeter and Plymouth, is the theory behind reopening a South Brent Station.
“This ticks the carbon reduction and clean-air boxes but first we need to know whether it makes the people of the South Brent area tick too.’’
South Hams District Councillor, Cllr Peter Smerdon, added: “Re-opening South Brent station has been talked about for years, now it looks like a seriously exciting possibility.
“We need residents of South Brent and surrounding villages to complete the survey and get involved.”
A survey will run from January 18 to February 18 on the website of Mr Mangnall – www.anthonymangnall.co.uk – although, for those unable to complete an online survey, postal surveys can be distributed by calling 0207 219 5579.
Brent station opened on June 15, 1848, and in December, 1893, the station became a junction, with the opening of the branch to Kingsbridge.
The Kingsbridge branch line, known as the Primrose Line, opened in 1893. It ran from Brent station down to Kingsbridge.
Initially there were plans to extend the line to Salcombe, but that section was never constructed.