A GROUP of campaigners hoping to reconnect North Cornwall to the rail network has been handed a boost by Cornwall Council.

In 2021, the project to get Launceston re-connected to the rail network began, headed by Cllr Dave Gordon of Launceston Town Council, who presented it to his fellow councillors before establishing a working group . Now, five years later, Cornwall Council has announced it will support the scheme, exploring the possibility of bringing rail travel back to North Cornwall.

Cllr Gordon told the Post that since the group was founded, progress has been amazing, with the group transforming into ‘Connect North Cornwall’ of which he is the chairman.

He said: “ It’s great to see our hard work is gaining widespread support and we’re delighted at the progress, which now sees our project being supported by high profile members of Cornwall Council, as well as our MP Ben Maguire. We are now at a point where we have Cornwall Council agreeing to fund a high level feasibility study into the project, which when completed will carry weight with the Ministry of Transport.”

The project would see a new line built between the Okehampton Interchange station, which was constructed following a campaign led by OkeRail, and Launceston.

Plans suggest the route would run on the north side of the A30, aiming to offer a speedy and direct service.

“It would then see a viaduct across the Tamar from the north side to the south side,” continued Cllr Gordon. “With a new station built in the Pennygillam area of Launceston.

“North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire fully supports the Connect North Cornwall Project and even supports an even bigger scheme resulting in the line continuing from Launceston to a new station on the east of Bodmin before reconnecting to the current line at Bodmin.”

Cllr Gordon, alongside Mr Maguire has claimed that if this is achieved, it would result in a journey time two and a half hours faster between Truro and London.

“To have rail travel time to London cut by two and a half hours is a game changer for the residents of Cornwall as a whole, not just for North Cornwall,” said Cllr Gordon. “This project would result in Cornwall being truly connected to the rest of the country, offering growth and opportunities to the county and it’s residents”.

With Cornwall Council agreeing to fund a high level feasibility study, it is hoped the project will be included in the new 2030 to 2050 Cornwall plan with project delivery time estimated for around 2040.

Connect North Cornwall has expressed it will be holding a public meeting later this year around autumn where it hopes to provide a clearer update for locals, along with key partners and speakers who can attend and data can be shared.

Those looking to find out more about the scheme are invited to attend this year’s Launceston Show where the group will be in attendance and ready to answer questions speak about this exciting project.