Somerset’s Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to commit full funding to the proposed reopening of Wellington railway station. Amos warns that partial investment could undermine the project’s ambitious goal of completion within two years.
In a letter addressed to the Chancellor and transport secretary, Amos highlighted ambiguous language in the latest Treasury Spending Review. While the review states that funds will support the reopening of Wellington and Cullompton stations, it stops short of confirming the scale or certainty of the financial backing. Amos, along with fellow Lib Dem MP Richard Foord representing Cullompton, has been at the forefront of efforts to revive both stations after last summer’s government decision to cancel the Restoring Your Railway programme.
Amos emphasized: “The Treasury statement leaves many key details unclear. It would be unwise for the government to provide only part of the funding needed for this project. With £5 million of matching funds already secured, partial support risks losing the vital benefit of having both stations operational within two years, especially as detailed design work is nearly complete.”
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He continued, “This project is crucial for safeguarding jobs, supporting local businesses, and enhancing educational opportunities in the South West. Missing this chance would mean losing out on an estimated £180 million in regional growth benefits expected from the reopening.”
To clarify funding commitments and keep the project on track, Amos is working closely with other South West MPs and regional leaders to arrange a ministerial meeting and gain further government assurances.