'Gateway Station to Dartmoor' could make come-back
A campaign is looking at re-opening Brent Station
The campaign to explore the re-opening of one of the stations lost as part of the Beeching Axe is gathering steam.
Brent Station, situated on the main line between Plymouth and Exeter, and served the village of South Brent, was one the main line lost in the 1960s, closing in 1964.
But now, Totnes MP Anthony Mangnall, Cllr 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 are 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 Magnall 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.
"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."
Anthony Mangnall - Totnes MP
"Providing an alternative to the A38 and enhancing the potential timetable for a convenient and frequent local train service for commuters, school children and goods both to and on stops between Exeter and Plymouth is the theory behind re-opening 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."
Councillor Richard Hosking - South Brent
A survey will be run from 18th January to 18th February on the website of Anthony Mangnall – www.anthonymangnall.co.uk – although for those unable to complete an online survey, postal surveys will be distributed by calling 0207 219 5579.
Brent railway station opened on June 15, 1848, and December 19,1893 the station became a junction, with the opening of the branch to Kingsbridge.