The business council says more groups will support the project

The route from Plymouth to Tavistock is being cleared to create a footpath and cycleway as part of a new �6m investment in the Tamar Valley.

The Devon and Cornwall Business Council says the multi-million pound investment is a real step in the right direction.

The proposals for the railway are already being supported by politicians in Plymouth.

Neill Mitchell, chief executive of the business council, said: "There is some steam there already and there's a lot of goodwill by all the relevant authorities to get this thing on track and the Strategic Rail Authority has a new strategy to embrace that.

"The project to open up the Tamar Valley will involve a wider group of people who will be able to lend their support and backing."