- Geoffrey Cox MP, Johnny Mercer MP, Cllr Rebecca Smith, Gareth Streeter have welcomed the announcement to speed up journey times as a major step forward for the area.
- As part of the new funding, five miles of track will be reinstated, and a new station will connect Tavistock with Plymouth.
- Funding will also be set aside to complete the South West Resilience Programme in full, making the vital route between Exeter and Plymouth via Dawlish more resilient in the face of extreme weather
Conservative Devon MPs and Candidates for the Conservative Party have welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister yesterday (4th October) for further funding for the region. The cancellation of part of HS2 means the South West of the UK will benefit from new railway stations and funding for a West of England mass transit system in a major funding boost to create stronger public transport networks.
A total of £36 billion in savings from HS2 will be reinvested in hundreds of transport projects across the country, delivering more buses, reopening railway stations and ensuring major funding for new and improved roads.
Yesterday (4th October), the government announced the Network North plan, which will still see HS2 delivered between Birmingham and Euston in central London.
But every penny that would have been spent extending the route will instead be redirected into roads, rail and buses to drive economic growth and provide jobs across the country. In the South West, these funds will be provided for rail improvements, including reopening and reintroducing passenger services to Wellington and Cullompton.
Five miles of track will be reinstated, with a new station at Tavistock to connect it with Plymouth. Funding will also be set aside to complete the South West Resilience Programme in full, making the vital route between Exeter and Plymouth via Dawlish more resilient in the face of extreme weather.
Commenting, Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, MP for Torridge and West Devon, said:
“I am delighted that the Government has approved the reopening of the Tavistock to Plymouth Railway line, with a new station to be built in Tavistock.
“My father used to recall travelling to school by train to Tavistock during the war. Trains will now run again to our town for the first time since 1968!
"This is a long-held ambition for which many of us have fought for several years. My thanks to all those who have helped in this fight. The results of this wonderful news, together with the reopening of the Dartmoor Line and the construction of a new Railway station and transport hub at Okehampton as a result of our winning Levelling Up bid, will be to revolutionise transport in and for West Devon. The benefits to our communities will be huge.”
Johnny Mercer, Plymouth Moor View MP, added:
“Many people rely on bus and train services across Plymouth Moor View to get to work or to see family and friends. So, it is vital that we seek to try and improve services as much as possible and make them more resilient.
“I have always been clear that our transport links must be improved as we grow our city into the 2020s, and I will continue to campaign hard to make sure that our roads, railways and port are continually invested in and improved.”
Also commenting, Cllr Rebecca Smith, Prospective MP for South West Devon said:
“Investing in our local rail network is vital for the ongoing economic development of our area. Enabling rail travel between Plymouth and Tavistock links up our communities which is good for business, good for commuters and ultimately takes cars off our local roads, which is good for achieving net zero.
“Enhancing connectivity from the South West to the rest of the country is vital to ensure we see the full benefits of levelling up and maximise the potential of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. The South West has certainly not been forgotten by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and our Conservative Government.”
Gareth Streeter, Prospective MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, also said:
“This money will create real resilience in the Plymouth to Exeter line and, as a result, help improve the service from Plymouth to Paddington. It makes life easier for families and gives businesses confidence.
“These announcements show that with Rishi Sunak, Devon and Cornwall will not be left behind. By working together, Conservative MPs have secured real investment in the far South West. It’s vital that we return a strong Conservative team to continue championing our communities at the next General Election.”
Commenting, Rail Minister Huw Merriman MP, said:
“Connecting Tavistock to Devon’s railway network is a major step forward for the area. Faster and better infrastructure open up great opportunities for the local area and I’m looking forward to seeing spades in the ground. I’d like to pay tribute to all of the MPs and Candidates for the area for their tenacity and efforts to secure the new investment, including engaging with local people.
“Devon’s railway network is expanding and will be more resilient under this Conservative Government, creating jobs and opportunities across the county.”
