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The reinvention of the old Tarka Valley railway line in Torrington is the latest plan to boost tourism in the town.

Plans by the Tarka Valley Railway Group have been submitted to Torridge District Council in the hope of getting part of the line back up and running.

The former British Rail line, which closed in 1984, runs behind the Puffin Billy pub just outside the town centre.

Group secretary Rod Garner, said: "The beginning stages would be to skim off the tarmac and put down the track. It would be 270 metres of running track, from the siding up to the old bridge. Looking up the track towards Bideford, people will see two lines, one which would be used for the train the other for walkers and cyclists. The idea is to provide short rides as a tourist attraction. It will not eat into the Tarka Trail so people will have the best of both worlds."

The railway group, which has more than 150 member from across the UK, is currently funded by those involved. If the application is passed, it will be looking for donations and fundraising to get the project going.

Mr Garner said: "I cannot see why the council would turn it down, the benefits for the area could be great."

The retired engineer has been interested in railways since he was a boy. He said: "The heritage rail community is very passionate about restoring the railway in our communities. We have had discussion with heritage steam train owners who say they would be interested in collaborating with Tarka Rail to provide a service. This is a very exciting time for Great Torrington, I hope everyone will get behind what we are trying to achieve as I feel it will boost our community."

The application was originally submitted in April 2011 but due to objections and queries was withdrawn. It was resubmitted in December 2011.

Town and district councillor Andy Boyd supports the idea. He said: "I think it is a wonderful idea which I hope will go through. I think it will be a tourist hub and something which will really put the town on the map. Torrington has a lot of great things to offer the tourists, another attraction can only boost this. The line is part of the town's history. It will be a great source of income to the town and will celebrate its heritage."

Despite the support from Torrington Town Council, businesses and the on-site pub some people questioned the safety, sustainability and pollution problems the track may cause.

In a letter to Torridge District Council, Ian Norridge and his wife, of New Road, outlined their concerns.

The letter said: "Diesel engines emit less pollution when running at speed so therefore as this such a short track we feel the amount of smoke and noise will be concentrated in a small area. This will be unpleasant for those living in the area, disconcerting for young children and disturbing for dogs on the Tarka trail. The track is so short we would suggest that the railway group will be using this more as a shunting exercise than a train ride.

"We fully appreciate that Torrington Railway Station was once a fully operational service but over time it has become best known as the Tarka Trail. It is famous for the walking and cycling experiences and is part of a bigger network of cycle ways which itself attracts thousands a year. We feel it would be a travesty to compromise this already successful asset."

The result of the application will be available on May 24.

Heritage rail is attractive

If the Tarka Valley Railway Group's plans for the Torrington station site come to fruition, the railway will join over 100 revived or heritage railways running in the United Kingdom and in Ireland,

This revival movement started in 1951 and has grown to the point in 60 years that it is estimated these railways provide 2,000 paid jobs, and attract close to 18,000 volunteers.

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PLANS: Torrington railway station, seen here in the 1970s, could become a part of a heritage railway tourist attraction.

The railways themselves have one thing in common; they started from nothing.

The station site once served Torrington and the area around by bringing in and taking out people and goods. The site can once again be put to good use for the general benefit by adding an attraction in addition to the Tarka Trail for visitors to enjoy.

It is widely accepted that heritage railways generate funds for the economies of their local areas.

I would welcome the chance for Torrington to so benefit.

MICHAEL SAMPSON,

Torrington.