Fears that the railway link to Calstock and Gunnislake could be downgraded have been voiced by Cornwall Councillor Andrew Long.

The Callington representative is concerned that the route could become a sub-branch if the Tamar Valley Line is extended from Bere Alston to Tavistock.

Cllr Long told fellow councillors: ‘Although the Tamar Valley Line covers just two stations in Cornwall, Calstock and Gunnislake, this forms a vital link for residents on the Cornish side of the Tamar Valley to get into Plymouth.

’Despite the efforts of local councillors, it still appears that powers-that-be across on the Devon side are pushing the idea of making the line from Bere Alston to Gunnislake a sub-branch and, as such, this could make the link into Cornwall unviable in the future.

’The creation of the Tavistock line is a good idea and needs to be carried forward, but this must not be at the detriment of the Cornish part of this line.’

Cllr Long and other councillors are calling for the status of the Cornish part of the line to be protected.