A GROUP hoping to reconnect some of North Cornwall’s lost railways has set out some of its goals for 2025.

Connect Launceston was established with the aim to reconnect Launceston to the national rail network, giving Launceston and North Cornwall ‘real connectivity options’.

The organisation has been supported by a number of key, knowledgeable people in the field of railways and major infrastructure including Network Rail and GWR during 2024.

The last year saw Connect Launceston make significant progress on this major infrastructure project.

Launceston town councillor and leading figure at Connect Launceston, Dave Gordon said: ”I’m delighted to report that following a recent meeting with our MP Ben Maguire, he has confirmed he is fully supportive of Connect Launceston and our campaign.

“He has already mentioned our project in Parliament and the connectivity problems we have in North Cornwall, as well as arranging a meeting with Lord Hendy who is the trains minister.”

At the end of the year, the group carried out a public consultation, taking to the town square to discuss ideas with local residents, during this, they received more than 100 positive feedback surveys, from those supporting the prospect of bringing back to railway to Launceston.

Cllr Gordon continued: “For most of the morning we were inundated with people, which created queues at some points, and it is becoming evident that our community is fully supportive of the project.

“We have also received a number of annual membership and subscribing forms back, which will support our funding needs going forward.

“We have always stated that our preferred line would be to Okehampton, this is due to it being a a more direct and shorter route to the mainline. Back in the summer Initial surveys had been done on our start point - possible station sites - this was partly possible by receiving feedback and advice from our Cornwall Council Planners.”

While no site has been settled upon, the group is continuing to assess its options, with its primary aim to create a fast, modern, affordable and fit for purpose, direct line to Okehampton which makes the onward journey to Exeter and England beyond, possible.

Following a successful start to its life, Connect Launceston is now looking ahead at some of its goals for the coming 12 months.

Among those targets is identifying a preferred route, exploring land ownership along this path, and making a start on engineering and ecological surveys.

Cllr Gordon continued: “We continue to have positive monthly meetings and which will hopefully see 2025 make further progress than I have stated.

“Our progress to date tells us that this is not a pipe dream, the feedback we are getting (from all quarters) tells us that reconnecting Launceston is a real possibility, and wanted by our community.

“The project (when successful) will not only see Launceston reconnected to a modern rail service, but will see North Cornwall reconnected.

“Politicians for all parties are pushing the green ticket, this project ticks all of the boxes needed, the only obstacle before us is their desire to make it happen.”