Campaigning for The Tarka Line
Future Proof our Railway!
Ian Roome MP and the North Devon Liberal Democrats are campaigning to upgrade the North Devon's Tarka Rail Line.
In November 2025, flooding forced three bridges on the Tarka Line (Nymet, Popes and Scoop) to be closed for inspection - stopping all trains between Barnstaple and Exeter.
In January 2026, Storm Chandra closed the line again - prompting Network Rail to make emergency repairs, and causing several weeks of disruption for college students, commuters and NHS patients trying to reach Exeter.
More than 3,500 people signed a petition launched by Ian Roome MP calling on Network Rail and GWR to invest in the Tarka Line's improvement, which was presented to Parliament.
In March, Ian addressed the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance - a cross-party effort organised by volunteers, local councils and other transport stakeholders - campaigning for investment in the Tarka Line.
He also joined Network Rail teams replacing older stretches of track near Chulmleigh, and challenged government ministers about the Tarka Line during debates on the Railways Bill in Parliament.
...We need joined-up planning for increased capacity, and against bad weather... I urge the Government to resist declaring victory once public ownership [of railways] is achieved — it is only the first stop. The long-term planning will be the important part of this Bill."
Ian Roome MP, Railways Bill, House of Commons, 9th December 2025
Future-Proof The Tarka Line!