12 24th January -6th February 2020 Future of still unclear Local residents sets up Afortnight ago -based Dartmoor Railway which is currently ‘CocaineAnonymous’ operated by Dartmoor Railway Community Interest Company (DRCIC), was packaged group in Tavistock for sale by its US owners IOWAPacific, the troubled holdingcompany of British An anonymous Tavistock resident has brought the world-wide American Railway Services (BARS). group‘Cocaine Anonymous’ to Tavistock after noticing there was ‘a need’ in the town. Campaign group OkeRail, which has fought to reintroduce aregular passenger rail Cocaine Anonymous fellowship is now in its third month of meet- service between Okehampton and Exeterfor ings, which are held at The Printworks (formerly Kingdon House) the last ten years, expressed their concern andhas already been well received. The resident said: “I have been while news that the joint lease between going to Alcoholics Anonymous as Ihave ahistory of drug abuse County Council (DCC) and BARS andthere was nothing in Tavistock, so Idecided to set up Cocaine for Okehampton Station buildings and car Anonymous as Isaw there was aneed in Tavistock.” park which expired on 31st December 2019, would further delay their long term aspira- They added: “Cocaine Anonymous is for people who have adrug tions putting the future of the service, which anddrink problem. The group is worldwide but the only place was axed as aresult of the ‘Beeching’ cuts in locally to attend was Plymouth. 1972, in real doubt. ‘Cocaine Anonymous is for anyone who has adrug or alcohol Along with the heritage Railway problem and has adesire to stop, regardless of how much they and arolling stock and freight company, Dartmoor National Park. A200-strong industry.Itwill also serve the wider popula- used. At the meetings people share their experiences, what they BARS has owned Dartmoor Railway for 11 group of enthusiastic volunteers who assist tion of West Devon and North Cornwall, were like and what they did to recover from the life-shattering drug years, while the line (the track and trackbed) therailway operation in many of its activi- currently England's largest 'Rail Desert'. addiction. Everyone finds their own way. itself between Meldon Quarry and Coleford ties andhelp maintain the current excellent Ideally,DRSA would like the Okehampton is owned by Aggregate Industries (AI) and facilities at Okehampton station stated line to the boundary with 's ‘If you are trying to stop you are welcome, as long as you have was acquired from in 1994. that they had not been contacted about the North Devon line at Coleford (near Yeoford) that desire to stop. It takes alot to admit there is aproblem but at sale of DRCIC or changes to the leasing to again be part of the national rail network. the meetings there is no judgement and it is all anonymous.” Mr John Penny,estates manager for AI arrangements between them and Aggregate We look forward to working with the new indicated that the firm would be delighted Industries and Devon County Council. arrangements.Untilmore is known it is The only requirement for membership is adesire to stop using to see the reintroduction of the passenger difficult for us to reliably speculate on the cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. It is not adrug- service and would be happy to work with all In an official statement, they emphasised possible future options.” specific group. The group meets every Tuesday at Printworks, on stakeholders to that end. “The DRSA welcomes any moves that Pym Street. Doors open at 6.30pm where there is tea and coffee will speed up the reintroduction of daily It is The Moorlander’s understanding that andtime for ‘a chat’ before the meeting is held from 7pm to 8pm The Dartmoor Railway Supporters’ train servicesbetween the growing town of talks between all interested parties are in the Editor’s Room. The meetings are free to attend. Association (DRSA), provides rolling stock Okehampton, the city of Exeterand beyond. ongoing but due to commercial sensitivity and staffing for seasonal Heritage services Daily services will improve connectivity full details are not publicly available at the For any information on the group, visit cocaineanonymous.org.uk from Okehampton to Meldon Viaductwithin for local people,businesses and the tourist time of going to press.

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