Tarka Trail 'will not be taken away', rail campaigner insists

Concerns have been raised by residents in North Devon over fears that plans to extend the railway line between Barnstaple and Bideford could threaten the future of the popular Tarka Trail.

Speculation on social media and among local communities has grown in recent weeks, with many worried that the beloved cycling and walking route could be lost if rail services were to be reinstated along the former track bed.

But a senior rail campaigner has moved to reassure the public, insisting the trail is not under threat.

Tim Steer, Devon and Cornwall Branch Chair for Railfuture, the independent, voluntary organisation that campaigns for better rail services across Britain, spoke to the North Devon Gazette at Barnstaple Station on Thursday, April 2.

"One of the things about the bit of an extension that became quite obvious is that the Tarka Trail must remain," he said. "The only thing that could happen in the future is it could be enhanced, and that could be something that would make even better accessibility for people from Bideford, Fremington and Barnstaple."

Mr Steer was unequivocal in his reassurance to those who fear the worst.

"But at the moment, we can categorically say, and I'll state this on record, that no one is going to take away the Tarka Trail," he said.

The Tarka Trail stretches for 180 miles through Devon, with a largely traffic-free section running along the estuary between Barnstaple and Bideford, one of the most popular sections for both tourists and local residents alike.

Any proposals to connect the two towns by rail would need to carefully consider how the route could co-exist with, or improve upon, the existing trail infrastructure, Mr Steer suggested.