Update on Taunton and Wellington train stations
Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Taunton and Wellington, has met with Great Western Railway to receive an update on the development of the new Wellington station and on improvements at Taunton station.
Gideon pressed the case for travellers from the new Wellington station to have excellent connecting services to and from London and the wider rail network at Taunton station.
He said: “Having worked, in my day job, on big infrastructure projects including offshore wind farms and as head of planning for London’s newest mainline railway station, I am really keen to put the experience I have gained to use for local people to make sure the new Wellington station, first raised in Parliament by Lib Dem MP Jeremy Browne, is the success the town deserves.
“Close liaison with the Liberal Democrat-led Somerset Council is going to be key.”
Gideon also asked about the development of Old Oak Common station for HS2 just outside Paddington, including the disruption this would cause during construction and the potential for GWR services to be required to call services there.
He said: “The government has completely failed to communicate how plans for trains to stop at an extra station on the route will affect Taunton and other South West. passengers.
“Taunton station and its fast trains to London are the jewel in the crown of Somerset’s rail network and provide a vital economic link with the capital.
“If elected I will be making the case strongly for faster, better trains to and from London - we need to stand firm against any extension of journey time to the capital.”
Gideon was also presented with the first name sign for Wellington station, produced by local rail users.