THE MP for Central Devon says that he will continue to fight "flat out" for a reinvigorated Exeter – Crediton – Okehampton – Tavistock – Plymouth railway line and says that if it is re-opened, it could "open up economic opportunity on a grand scale" - and would be a "mighty shot in the arm" for Okehampton and Crediton.

Mel Stride made the comments following a recent meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, which Mr Stride chaired in Okehampton.

The line from Okehampton to Plymouth was closed in 1967 and Network Rail suggested re-instating the line was one of a number of options available to safeguard the rail infrastructure to the South West following the collapse of the rail line into the sea at Dawlish earlier this year, which caused much disruption.

The Government is looking to improve transport links to the South West to ensure there is an alternative to the re-instated Dawlish route – and the so-called "northern" route through Crediton to Plymouth is one of the options.

Mr Stride said: "The resilience of the transport infrastructure into the peninsular is under serious scrutiny. There has probably never been a better practical and political movement for the peninsular to expect to gain transport infrastructure.

"I have vigorously lobbied government on this, pressing the Rail Minister and Secretary of State for Transport to visit Okehampton. It paid off, firstly with the Rail Minister a couple of months ago and then the Secretary of State for Transport.

"I chaired both meetings, pulling together local stakeholders to press the case for the northern option."

Crediton Town Council would like to see the line fully re-opened and recently a sub-committee recommended a donation of £1,000 to "Destination Okehampton" to investigate if the line is feasible or not. The decision is expected to be ratified very soon.

Other South West MP's are backing the bid and The Peninsula Rail Group is trying to persuade the Government that of the five options open to them, the Crediton to Plymouth option is not only the cheapest but also will regenerate the economy of Mid, West and North Devon.

The group estimate the cost would be £875 million for a dual track or £650 million for a single track.

Other alternatives nearer Dawlish would cost from £1.5 billion to £3.16 billion.

The reinstatement of the line would require the addition of just 15 miles of new track and could greatly improve stations already along the route, including Newton St Cyres and Yeoford.

Cllr Nick Way (Crediton Rural, Devon County Council), said: "This is great news that this route is being taken seriously now.

"It is something that The Peninsula Rail Group, of which Devon County Council is a partner, has been pushing for.

"It could provide a better travel service, possibly half hourly during the day. In addition there would be economic benefits and employment opportunities for the town.

"Double tracks could open up great opportunities, including a second platform at Yeoford, which would be a great boost for the village which has a poor bus service."

Some compulsory purchase would be required of property on the former line route in Tavistock.

West Devon Borough Council, which owns some of the property, has backed the plan.

In addition, one of the proposed Den Brook Wind Farm turbines which, if built, and collapsed, could fall onto the rail line and could, possibly, require moving.

• Do you think the rail line should be re-instated from Okehampton to Plymouth and will it be better for Kirtonians? Send a letter with your views, suitable for publication, to: [email protected]">[email protected] .