Committee
News For 2026
Campaigning Never Stops
For over 40 years, the North Devon Line has been defended, strengthened and grown through determined campaigning. That effort saved the line from closure and has delivered sustained passenger growth across North, West and Mid Devon.
That legacy — built by the North Devon Rail Users Group and the Tarka Rail Association — continues today through the North Devon Line Rail Promotion Group. As we move into 2026, our campaigning will intensify again.
This year must be about delivery.
We will continue to press for funding to enhance capacity on the line, hold Great Western Railway to its commitment to introduce Class 175 trains later this year, and ensure Network Rail places resilience at the top of its priorities. This railway is a vital link between Barnstaple, Exeter and the rest of the UK.
Alongside major strategic issues, we are focused on the everyday improvements passengers care about:
• More car parking at Umberleigh and Eggesford
• Modern, accessible facilities at Barnstaple station
• Better accessibility and appropriate additional stops at Kings Nympton, Portsmouth Arms and Lapford, where demand exists
We are listening to communities, Friends groups and parish councils, and we are actively engaging with planning authorities to ensure new housing development helps fund rail and station improvements.
Our President brings deep experience and strategic insight into transport across Devon and the Peninsula, strengthening our ability to influence, challenge and open doors.
Devon County Council’s long-term support for rail has put the North Devon Line in a far stronger position than many parts of the country, and we will continue to work constructively with them throughout 2026.
Community rail remains central to the line’s success — from station gardens and biodiversity projects to heritage initiatives — supported by the Community Rail Partnership.
The future brings opportunity: Great British Railways, proposals for extension to Bideford, and strong MP support. We look forward to welcoming the millionth passenger — but only if we keep campaigning.
Progress is never guaranteed. It has to be fought for.
We invite residents, councillors and supporters to get involved, support the campaign and, if you can, join us.
David Northey – Chair and Andrea Davis – President January 2026
Organising Committee
Committee members:
- David Northey – Chair
- Peter Bunn – Secretary
- Alan Clark – Treasurer & Membership
- Tony Hill, Len Watson, Simon Aston and Matthew Clark – Committee members
- Andrea Davis – President
- Roger Blake and Peter West OBE – Vice Presidents
We have vacancies for Social Media & Website, Publicity and Funding & Grants
We are looking for NEW members to represent communities and businesses along the line
An Annual General Meeting is held each year where there is an opportunity to join the group as a member and then put yourself forward to represent your community, rail users, and develop the future vision for the line.
We currently have 9 positions on the committee, and this includes the following seats:
- Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Social Media
- Strategic Development
- Membership
- Station and Community Representatives
- Two Members (without a portfolio)
We currently have 5 positions on the Station Representative Group (which reports to the respective ‘Station and Community Representative’ on the main committee):
- Barnstaple
- Umberleigh, Chapelton and Portsmouth Arms
- Eggesford and Kings Nympton
- Copplestone, Morchard Road and Lapford
- Crediton, Newton St Cyres and Yeoford
An Annual General Meeting is held each year where there is an opportunity to join the group as a member and then put yourself forward to represent your community, rail users, and develop the future vision for the line.