Torrington-Halwill Railway

News in October 1923

At a conference of Local Employment Committees of Plymouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, and Torquay, held at Plymouth, the conditions pertaining on the construction of the Halwill-Torrington Railway came under discussion. It was alleged that the conditions arranged for many of the workmen were ‘appallingly bad’ and in consequence men were returning from the work, No proper lodging accommodation could be found in the neighbouring villages for many of the men, and the contractors, it was alleged, had insufficient hutting accommodation, although they had promised to remedy this. Government officials had visited the work, but no result had been seen.

The Devon County Council’s action in lodging an objection to the Ministry of Transport against a proposal to extend for five years the time for the completion of the Halwill Junction-Torrington Light Railway scheme, was supported by the Okehampton Rural Council. The County Authority saw no justification for the proposed Order, but would raise no objection to a twelve month’s extension. No reason, was given said the Clerk, by the applicants for the action.

Torrington Rural Council at its last meeting decided to enter formal protest against an extension of time for the completion of Torrington Halwill Railway. The Clerk, Mr G M Doe, reporting on the financial position, pointed out the company had made a demand for £3,000 being 50 per cent, on £6,000 debenture stock. They had paid two sums of £600, and now they were asking for £1,800, which would make the £3,000. He had communicated with the County Council, who did not seem to have paid it, and the question was whether they should pay it or not.

Torrington Rural Council received a letter from the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Railway stating that they noted the Council’s objection to their request to the Ministry of Transport for an extension of the time lime for completing the work.