Looe's county representative, Sid Gardner, who is also chairman of the Looe Valley Line Working Party, told members of the Land Use and Transportation Committee that the franchise intended to reduce the number of daily summer services on the branch line from 11 to 8, including the very popular 4.30pm train from Looe. They also intend running only one carriage during the summer months instead of the usual two.
'This is a double whammy which could have serious consequences for the future of the branch line' said councillor Gardner. 'The Looe Valley Line is one of the best and most beautiful in the country and is very popular with visitors. This action by Wales and West is very disheartening for the people who have worked so hard to promote this line'.
Mr Gardner received the full support of other councillors who said they were concerned there would be cuts to other branch lines in the county.
'This action does not fit with the Government policy on encouraging people to use other forms of transport than the car', said Godfrey Smale. 'We should write to John Prescott and ask him to use his influence on this matter'.