General Discussion

Take a look at this http://www.devonnewscentre.info/business/better-rail-services-vital-for-south-wests-economic-health/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+devonnewscentre%2FmYGs+%28News+Centre%29

toward the bottom it talks about "the implementation of a service from Okehampton to Exeter and the re-opening of the line from Plymouth and Bere Alston to Tavistock".

Makes sense if the demand is there and it gives a better carbon footprint than all the equivalent car journeys.

What doesn't make sense is that proposal for the new, "improved", rail link from London to Birmingham (?). Something like £15-20 billion isn't it for only first stage to shave 15-20 minutes off someone's journey. £15-20bn would provide quite a lot of child support. Reminds me of that scene in Blackadder where Blackadder compares the battle losses with the justification of moving the General's drinks cabinet 5 minutes closer to Berlin!

"New station at Marsh Barton"? That part of the article reads as a fact rather than wishful thinking, is that so? Re-opening the Plymouth to Tavistock after 50 years though is surely in the realms of fantasy? Anyway, are you suggesting that if by some miracle it did re-open, that this would impact Dawlish?

"Anyway, are you suggesting that if by some miracle it did re-open, that this would impact Dawlish?"

Yes.

How?

Because.......... it could set the scene for a connection to then be made inland between Tavistock and Okehampton.

Mega bucks stuff I know but........if we accept that sea levels are rising and if, as is the case, the only way presently by rail to/from the south- west past Exeter is via the Dawlish line then an alternative route may well have to be considered.

And should that inland rail line ever be built then yes, I do think it would have an impact on Dawlish.

Don't you?

Yes. Thanks for explaining the rationale. It certainly would cost billions, but given the worst-case scenario of the line being washed away, there has to be an alternative.