Concerns raised over 'vulnerability' of vital North Devon rail link

Disgruntled rail users are asking that something be done to the infrastructure of the Tarka Line, as the reliability of the vital link between North Devon and Exeter reaches a breaking point.

Storms and adverse weather throughout January caused the line to Barnstaple to be closed for a total of 24 days, meaning no trains from Barnstaple to Exeter.

While the tracks have since reopened, the month-long disruption has left a trail of academic and personal chaos in its wake.

For Jack Watts, a first-year student at Exeter College who commutes daily from Barnstaple, the timing could not have been worse.

The disruptions began just before mock exams, eating into valuable revision time.

“Following our mock exams, the lines became shut for an extended point of time,” Jack told the Gazette.

“Getting to college became impossible and all work was set online.”

The isolation of home learning has had a significant impact on Jack’s wellbeing and education.

“There were periods where I wouldn’t see friends for a week or so, which had a big impact on my social life,” he explained.

“I also was expected to complete all assignments myself with little guidance due to the nature of home learning. As a result, a lot of the new course content was harder to learn than before.”

Despite the resumption of services, the shadow of the closure looms large.

“I feel like I’m still catching up now, meaning workload has increased for me personally now. I feel like it will affect me for future weeks but I’m managing. I’m glad now that lines have reopened although this will undoubtedly affect me in the future as catch up work has begun and further delays are expected in the coming months due to increased rainfall, fingers crossed disruption is limited though.”

However, the resilience of the track is not the only issue locals are raising. For many, the rolling stock itself is causing issues. 

John Emms told the Gazette: “In January I used my three minute right at Bideford Town Council’s full meeting to air my frustration and anger with the above failed railway service. On 12th January I had major heart surgery in Exeter. I stayed at my sisters in Bristol after surgery to recover and coverless. I booked a rail ticket home from Bristol Parkway to Barnstaple via Exeter when I felt able to travel, so I could return to my home in Bideford.”

After booking a rail ticket from Bristol Parkway to Barnstaple via Exeter, Mr Emms found himself stranded at Exeter when an announcement stated his train had "gone tech."

"A member of platform staff confirmed I would have to wait for the next service. 16.25 ish. Knowing this later service would be packed with students I asked if there would be more carriages. The answer no, just the two. I understand the Tarka line trains are all very old, second hand from 'up country' I stated, the helpful platform employee apologised and confirmed 'they're all clapped out. Second hand and often go tech.' His words!"

The conditions inside the carriages have been described as cramped and stressful. Mr Emms recalled the journey on the service: "The train arrived from Central station, packed. No seats as I feared! I was forced to stand most of the journey. A very frightened, frail elderly lady was standing in front of me. Whilst I was concerned for my own health, I feared more for the vulnerable lady. I had to travel with my hands ready to support her as the clapped out, packed train vibrated over the very old clunky rail track. I was feeling ghastly by now due to the stress and anxiety. Eventually the filthy diesel bone shaker pulled in to Barnstaple. Still packed with exhausted, frustrated commuters."

Upon arriving at Barnstaple, the ordeal continued. Mr Emms reported waiting 40 minutes in the pouring rain as the bus shelter was "far too small" for the volume of passengers wanting to continue to Bideford, Ilfracombe and Coombe Martin.

"Why hasn't Bideford got buses to meet trains as they depart / arrive? Once again, Bideford, the poor relation to Devon is ignored despite its vast and rapidly growing population. Finally, despite formally complaining whilst at the station in Exeter, I still have not had the courtesy of a reply yet alone a refund!"

Network Rail was contacted by the Gazette for comment, but did not reply at the time of publication. 

The contrast between North Devon's infrastructure and the rest of the country is a point of particular bitterness for local residents. 

Mr Emms argues that the current service undermines social mobility and regional fairness.

"The people of Bideford deserve so much better, as does everyone in Northern Devon. I do not need to spell out the poverty statistics for this area. How are our young going to find further education and work when they have to use a 1950' rail service in the 21st century? How are non drivers meant to attend Exeter hospital appointments etc, etc? The rail operator has some very serious questions to answer. As a minimum the public. Deserve a timeline when we can expect a consistent, reliable, railway to take the traveling public from Bideford to Exeter and beyond."

The strategic importance of the route is also a priority for North Devon Council. Ken Miles, Chief Executive of North Devon Council, told the Gazette: “Although North Devon Council has now formally resolved to join the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, officers and councillors have been actively working, with the Alliance and other partners, to raise the understanding of the vulnerability of the Barnstaple to Exeter line, and to push for improvements, for some time.

"The council recognises the importance of the line to our North Devon businesses and also to our communities that use the line to access health, education and other vital services located to the south of the county. North Devon is isolated and the railway line is a vital link to the rest of Devon and then to other areas of the country.

“We will continue to encourage improvements to be made to the line, not just to improve resilience but also to improve journey times and customer experience.”