Gideon Amos MP vows to keep fighting for stations project

Gideon Amos MP has said that "defeat is not an option" in his campaign to get the Wellington and Cullompton Stations back on track.

His comments came after a government minister confirmed in Parliament that the stations were still under consideration despite the ending of the ‘Restoring Your Railway’ programme last summer.

Mr Amos and his fellow Liberal Democrat MP, Richard Foord, have been heading up calls for the scheme to get back on track.

A 30-strong delegation travelled to London last month to present the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, with two letters – one from a cross-party group of South West MPs and one from Wellington Town Council.

Simon Lightwood – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport – has now told a debate in Westminster Hall that “the strategic objectives for building both stations are clear.”

He added: “As well as benefiting the immediate areas in Cullompton and Wellington, enhancing public transport connectivity will also support economic growth and productivity in Exeter, Taunton and Bridgwater, reducing road congestion, car dependency and associated carbon emissions.

The stations would contribute to sustainable development, connecting new residential areas with regional employment, education and healthcare opportunities.

“With the provision of station calls at both towns, the case for taking a combined approach presents significantly higher value for money, compared with a stand-alone project in either area.

“In conclusion, the department recognises that the reopening of Cullompton and Wellington rail stations would be a strategic investment in the future of those communities.

“Enhanced public transport connectivity also aligns with the Government’s goals to drive economic growth, reduce environmental impact and improve social mobility, creating a more equitable and prosperous region.”

Mr Amos also spoke in the debate, saying: “For the cost of around £42 million, £180 million of economic growth would go into the region, which I know the Government would want to see.

“Frankly, there is no other rail project in the south-west that is ready to go and could be built and completed in the next two years, as the project is so far advanced.

“In fact, had it not been for the review in July last year, the spades would be in the ground and the platforms under construction, because the contract was about to be let and the detailed design was almost finished.”

Afterwards, Mr Amos said: “Wellington residents’ visit to Parliament to help me make the case to the Minister has clearly had a really persuasive effect – along with local councillors, they have done the town proud on this.

“Working with Richard Foord and now having won the support of Labour MPs in the region too, I’m pressing hard for the funding commitment Wellington needs to be announced as part of the conclusion of the Government’s spending review, expected before the summer recess.

“The best case would be a green light for our station as one of those decisions.

“Even without that, the economic case to reopen a station will remain irrefutable and my campaigning would only grow bigger and louder as a result - for me, defeat is not an option.”