PASSENGERS on the Looe Valley Line – from Liskeard to Looe – are being urged to have their say on the new rail franchise by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, the non-profit body which works to promote the line.

The Government is currently consulting people on what should be included in the new franchise to run rail services throughout the Westcountry on the network currently operated by First Great Western.

The new franchise is set to begin in April 2013 and last for 15 years.

The Partnership is asking people to let the Government know their views on what service they want to see on the Looe Valley Line.

In particular, they are asking people to write in with their support for the current train service and to emphasise the need for two coaches on trains in July and August.

In addition, Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership is asking people to let the Government know what improvements they would like to see on the Looe Valley Line. The Partnership would like to see trains run on Sundays from April to the end of October and for later evening trains to run in July and August, allowing Liskeard residents and holidaymakers to have an evening out in Looe and return by train.

Partnership manager Richard Burningham said: 'The Government have made it clear they are not looking to make cuts in the new franchise but nonetheless, the more local people who can write in saying how useful the current train service is to them, the better.

'One of the things that needs to be guaranteed, in our view, is the number of coaches at peak times,' he added.  

'The Looe Valley Line needs two coaches during the peak summer holiday months and it would be great if this was guaranteed in the new franchise. Local people can help make this happen by writing in.'

 The Government's consultation on the new franchise runs until March 31. Details can be found on the Department for Transport's website at http://www.dft.gov.uk">www.dft.gov.uk

To have your say on the current Looe Valley Line service or to suggest improvements, write to: Department for Transport, Great Western franchise replacement consultation, Franchise Consultation Manager, Zone 3/14 Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR. Alternatively email [email protected]">[email protected]