THE Connect Bude working group is set to campaign to ‘reconnect Bude and Holsworthy to the National Rail Network’.

The action group, originally known as the Bude and Holsworthy Railway Action Group, which met at the start of the month, has now changed its name to ‘Connect Bude’, and at its meeting set its core objectives.

As well as campaigning to get Bude and Holsworthy back on the National Rail Network, initially via Okehampton, the group’s objectives are:

l To promote an improved rail service between Okehampton and Exeter and beyond;

l To ensure the trackbed of the former railway is protected against further development;

l To garner the widespread community support of individuals, elected representatives and businesses in order to achieve the first three objectives.

The group was set up last year in response to a public meeting that attracted a huge turnout of people, discussing whether the return of the railway to Bude could be possible.

Its latest event was a public consultation in collaboration with Destination Okehampton, OkeRail CIC, Peninsula Rail Group, Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and Dartmoor Railway Supporter’s Association — a presentation promoting efforts to reopen the line to Okehampton.

Connect Bude’s next meeting was due to be held on Wednesday, March 8, at 7.30pm, at the Falcon Hotel.