Torbay is back on track as the Dawlish Coastal Railway has today (Friday 4th April 2014) re-opened following major repair work.
On 5th February 2014 this vital rail link connecting Devon & Cornwall with the rest of the UK was severely damaged with its tracks left hanging in the air. Since then a so called “orange army” of railway engineers has been working to get the line reinstated with it re-opening this morning to passenger services.
To mark this event Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Torbay Kevin Foster, the Mayor of Torbay Gordon Oliver, Local Councillors and residents went to Paignton Station this morning to wave off the first Torbay Express to depart for London since the line reopened.
Kevin said: “The closure of the Dawlish Line, along with the iconic images of rail tracks hanging in the air, has had a real impact on the Bay’s economy.”
“Yet thanks to the determined efforts of an Orange Army of Railway Engineers, the Fire Service and many others it is great to see the line reopen today ready for Easter. Torbay is open for business and our beautiful bay is the perfect place for your summer stay.”
Mayor Gordon Oliver said: "The news of the railway line repairs at Dawlish being completed is great news for residents, businesses and visitors to Torbay. Having this rail link reinstated just in time for the Easter holiday period is a real boost for our economy and tourism industry.
"Torbay can and will be a global destination for businesses and tourists and we will continue to be #openforbusiness. Even though the line is open I will continue to lobby the government and associated partners that Torbay and the rest of the Peninsula still need robust and resilient transport links but this news is certainly a big step in the right direction."