SOUTH Devon MP Anne Marie Morris has secured a debate in the House of Commons seeking assurances on the future of the South Devon coastal railway line.

The Newton Abbot MP will use the time under the spotlight to discuss the importance of investing in Brunel's famed Exeter to Plymouth railway line.

She wants to preserve the line, which runs through Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot and carries all rail traffic into South Devon and on to Plymouth and Cornwall.

She described it as "one of the most beautiful train journeys that can be taken in Europe".

The debate will take place tomorrow afternoon in Westminster Hall.

She said: "The railway line connecting Exeter and Plymouth is of national importance and I am extremely fortunate to have the most idyllic stretch of it run through my constituency.

"Indeed, I would suggest the section of railway running between Starcross and Newton Abbot is one of the most beautiful train journeys that can be taken in Europe.

"I know the dramatic coastal scenery this railway line allows visitors to see as they travel through my constituency is a major attraction for many of the 5.3 million people who visit Devon each year.

"Tourism is a fundamental part of the Devon economy and supporting towns such as Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot is essential if Devon is to remain a visitor hotspot.

"Equally as important however is ensuring we have appropriate public transport provision in place for the thousands of commuters, travellers and residents who use the line on a daily basis.

"Nearly two million journeys a year begin or end at the stations on the coastal section of the Exeter to Plymouth line each year and many more passengers pass through en-route to Exeter, Plymouth, Cornwall and London.

"Supporting investment in the line is vital in order to ensure residents, businesses and tourists have good public transport access to places of work, interest and leisure."

Her debate follows suggestions previously raised that the length of track could be abandoned in favour of an inland route because of its vulnerability to coastal erosion.

Putting in a new line would cost £100 million, while maintaining the existing stretch had been put at just £200,000, Mrs Morris has previously told MPs.

Studies have also shown the track would be "relatively safe" from erosion for the next 50 years.

She said: "I believe the future of rail travel in the South West has to involve the currently existing railway line between Exeter and Plymouth.

"Alternatives are costly and impractical.

"I relish the opportunity to put what I know to be an overwhelming case for continued investment in the Exeter to Plymouth line we have and I look forward to what promises to be an interesting and important debate."