South West favoured for future investment

The Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF), the campaign group seeking rail upgrades in southwest England, says Rail Minister Paul Maynard has confirmed that the region is “a priority” for future government investment in rail.

At a meeting in London on February 28 to discuss the PRTF’s Closing the Gap 20-year investment plan, Maynard told the delegation that its findings were “compelling” and “very much in line with our thinking”.

Also at the meeting were local MPs Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) and Gary Streeter (South West Devon). Discussions took place about resilience improvements at Dawlish, Teignmouth and Cowley Bridge Junction, as well as the case for reopening the ExeterOkehampton-Tavistock-Plymouth route and creation of an enhanced diversionary route between Castle Cary and Yeovil Junction.

Speaking after the meeting, PRTF Chairman Andrew Leadbetter said: “The Department for Transport is currently taking rail industry advice on potential investment plans for Control Period 6, which will run from 2019 to 2024. This is a critical period for our region, when we need to see significant investment to drive forward major improvements in our rail services.

“The minister was hopeful that decisions would be announced later this year as part of a national investment programme.”

The PRTF comprises Cornwall Council, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, Devon County Council, Heart of the South West LEP, Plymouth City Council, Somerset County Council and Torbay Council.