Northern Devon rail development: Future priorities outlined at annual meeting

Stakeholders have gathered in Mid Devon to discuss the future of the region's rail network, with renewed calls for greater support from central government.

The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance held its third annual convention on Friday, 6 March, in Eggesford.

The event, facilitated by Railfuture, brought together local councillors, business leaders, and Ian Roome, MP, to evaluate the progress and future potential of the North Devon (Tarka) Line.

Representatives from Great Western Railway (GWR) and Network Rail outlined current operational improvements, highlighting the line's continued growth in passenger usage.

However, a recurring theme throughout the discussions was that while local stakeholders are united in their ambition for the line’s modernisation and long-term goals such as the extension to Bideford, the consensus among attendees is that consistent, long-term backing from central government remains the "missing piece" to move these major infrastructure projects forward.