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South west route options

I agree with many of the comments made by Paul, Bedfordshire. The activities of the old BR Western Region when they took over the Southern Region lines west of Salisbury was a disgrace that made Beeching look a Saint in comparison. What they did was little short of treason and a massive disservice to the country. Unfortunately it is unlikely they will ever be brought to justice and suitably punished.

Anyway, what is done is done and cannot be undone. Some of the ‘Withered Arm’ lines would have probably had to go anyway, but not Exeter to Plymouth via Okehampton and Tavistock.

I think Paul has underestimated the cost of reinstating the missing 20 miles and upgrading what is still extant. A good fast service via Tavistock and Okehampton would bring massive benefits to those two towns and the surrounding areas. It would also improve freight capability to Plymouth and from that further west. The ability to commute to Exeter, and Plymouth, and travel to Bristol and London etcetera from a much larger number of major towns would be of major benefit to the County of Devon.

What also needs major consideration is the Exeter to Waterloo line west of Salisbury. This desperately needs upgrading.

As a final comment – Eurostar spent a fortune on Waterloo only to abandon it. Now people from the south and west have to traverse London from Waterloo. How stupid.