MP fighting for rail station go-ahead

Local MP, Gideon Amos, is continuing his efforts to ensure the new Wellington Railway Station goes ahead.

The long-awaited project is currently under review after the Government announced it was scrapping the Restoring Your Railways scheme.

Back in July, Mr Amos received an assurance in Parliament from the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, that the decision would not affect projects already in progress, such as Wellington.

Days later, this appeared to be contradicted by a letter from the Minister of State for Rail, Lord Hendy, who said it would be subject to review.

Mr Amos has subsequently met the Minister, along with fellow Lib Dem Richard Food (Honiton & Sidmouth), who is campaigning for a station in Cullompton.

The pair have now written to Lord Hendy to further press the case for the two stations.

Their letter says the project “represents a massive opportunity to kickstart growth in the Bristol, Taunton and Exeter corridor.”

The MPs say that the Final Business Plan (FBC) stated that the stations represented “high” value for money.

“More than this however, since the FBC was prepared in March 2024, further evidence has come forward of the much-needed jobs, housing and growth outcomes that would arise because of the project.”

These included:

Housing – the project would directly support the delivery of more new homes than previously thought.
Jobs – Agratas has confirmed the opening of the Gigafactory at Puriton near Bridgwater.
Growth: the Chancellor on 8th July committed to “speed up delivery on infrastructure such as transport and energy, [and] review how it can unlock critical infrastructure, without weakening environment protections”.
The letter says: “Had the current review not been initiated, detailed design would have been completed in July and the project would have started on site by now.

“The project represents a massive opportunity to kickstart growth in the Bristol, Taunton and Exeter corridor.”

The two MPs add: “We share the government’s stated aims around growth.

“Indeed, kickstarting sustainable growth based on public transport is as urgent for our environment as it is for those who need and deserve jobs and opportunity.

“Whilst the project is on hold due to this review, inflation at 2.2% is now creating potential additional costs of £1,507 every day.

“We strongly urge you therefore … to conclude the review of the Wellington and Cullompton Stations Project urgently and release the necessary funds for it to continue without further delay.

“The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s words on the floor of the House of Commons on 29th July 2024 that the project “will go ahead” must surely be honoured.

“We stand ready to work further as necessary to advance this infrastructure project so vital to the Southwest.”

Mr Amos has also met with members of Wellington Town Council to discuss the station project and other matters.