Lorry hits the Cornwall line – England cut off
SIR – The fragility of the rail link to Cornwall was demonstrated once again when a lorry struck a bridge in Plymouth last week, closing the line. The whole of Cornwall was cut off from rail access, including a major port and naval base.
That the second route from Exeter to Plymouth via Tavistock was closed in 1968 is a regrettable fact. For years there have been calls for the route to be reopened – indeed, at the time of closure, it was intended that a single line should be left to provide a diversion when needed. Instead, the whole lot was ripped up.
Exeter is now about to be reconnected to Okehampton. Plans exist for reinstatement of the line from Bere Alston to Tavistock in connection with a housing development. This would leave just 16 miles to be reopened. Heritage railways have reinstated routes over longer distances than this, often with much volunteer input.
The case for a second route to Plymouth and Cornwall is unarguable. The economic damage caused by any closure of the present coastal route is significant, while reopenings elsewhere have brought economic and social benefits.
In addition, the work involved would be considerably less than that faced by the Victorians when the Dartmoor route was originally constructed, and rail is of environmental benefit over road transport.
The Government has been able to take quick decisions with regard to the pandemic – as it should. Doing nothing (or commissioning yet another feasibility study) will leave the present rail link vulnerable, and increase the risk to an already fragile regional economy.
The cost is nothing compared with the eye-watering sums being spent on HS2. The Government should seize this opportunity.
Jonathan Mann Gunnislake, Cornwall