“Trains at Roche station – they don’t stop there, do they?”

That was a comment by a local business person I visited in Roche recently! So I thought I’d better put the record straight and the editor has kindly allowed me to do that through the pages of this newsletter.

I work for the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, a partnership of local authorities and others which works to promote and improve facilities on scenic rural branch lines, including the Atlantic Coast Line between Par and Newquay.

The Atlantic Coast Line links with the Penzance – Paddington route at Par opening up access to a great many destinations in UK. Useful for commuting, business and leisure use, there are currently four trains per day Mon – Sat in the winter and eight weekday trains in the summer (mid June to mid September).

Roche Station is a request stop, so passengers need to ask the train staff if they want to get off here or raise their hand to signal to the train if they want to board. An information point, at the station, gives customers details of the next train.

The new summer timetable comes into effect on 13th June for weekday services and 28th May for weekend services. Full details may be obtained from the National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 ( www.nationalrail.co.uk ) or on Wessex Trains website www.wessextrains.co.uk . The Rail Partnership may also be contacted on 01752 233094 or by e-mail at railpart@plymouth.ac.uk

We also have local people who are soon to start to cheer up the station with planting and maybe with improved information.

And finally, fares are often cheaper than you might think with Cheap Day Return tickets and reductions for railcard holders.

So yes, trains do stop at Roche! So why not give them a try, enjoy a day out where you don’t have to worry about busy roads, parking or petrol. You can also feel good that you are doing your bit for the environment and to lessen congestion!