TOILET and drinking water facilities will not be available at the new Okehampton Interchange railway station, a decision described as “ridiculous” by an Okehampton town councillor.

Cllr Allenton Fisher, the council’s representative at the Dartmoor Railway Association, criticised Network Rail, which is responsible for the station’s construction, arguing that it had “fallen down” by failing to provide basic amenities for passengers.

At a recent meeting, Cllr Fisher raised concerns about the lack of toilets and drinking water at the new station, which is expected to serve a growing number of passengers once it opens.

Supported by fellow councillor and OkeRail chair Michael Ireland, Cllr Fisher urged Okehampton’s county councillor James Grainger to press Network Rail to ensure that passengers at least have access to drinking water at the site.

He said: “There’s no water station. I know there’s no toilet, but we do need water. What if someone’s sick? There’s nothing.”

Network Rail has previously stated that toilets were not included in the station building design because trains serving the Interchange station will have onboard toilet facilities.

However, Cllr Fisher has argued that this is insufficient, particularly given that the new station is expected to be busier than the current one.

He added that while passengers may be able to use toilets on board the trains, this did not address the needs of those waiting at the station, particularly if services are delayed or people arrived early for departures.

He also highlighted the lack of alternative public facilities nearby, leaving passengers with no access to toilets or drinking water while travelling.

Okehampton Interchange station is being built to the east of the town and is intended to improve transport connections for residents, particularly those living in new and expanding residential areas.

The station will be an additional stop between Okehampton and Crediton on the Dartmoor Line, which reopened in 2021.

Plans for the Interchange station include a single platform with step-free access, a car park, a new bus stop, and cycling facilities.

A combined cycle path and footpath will connect the station to nearby housing areas in the eastern part of Okehampton.

In addition, there will be an improved cycle route into the town centre and a new toucan crossing on Exeter Road to make the station more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

The station will also feature help points, sheltered cycle parking, a designated pick-up/drop-off area, and space for accessible parking and electric vehicle charging.

Construction began in early 2025, following a turf-cutting event in February last year that marked the start of works. The Interchange station is scheduled to open to the public this summer.

The station project has cost nearly £15 million in total, including £13.4 million from the government, £1.4 million from Devon County Council, £120,000 from West Devon Borough Council, and £25,000 from Network Rail.

Network Rail has been approached but has not yet responded to a request for comment.