MPs representing Devon and Somerset have intensified their campaign for new railway stations in Wellington and Cullompton, ahead of a crucial government announcement expected after June 11. Both stations, paused for review following the Labour victory in July 2024, could soon see progress if funding commitments are confirmed.
Local MPs Gideon Amos and Richard Foord have been persistent advocates for reopening the stations, engaging with transport ministers and leading delegations to Westminster. Their efforts culminated in a Westminster Hall debate on May 6, where a government minister acknowledged the benefits these projects would bring.
Richard Foord, Liberal Democrat MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, highlighted decades of underinvestment in the South West since the Beeching cuts of the 1960s which shuttered the original Cullompton and Wellington stations. He described the suspension of the ‘restoring your railway’ fund as a major setback but stressed that much groundwork for these projects was already completed.
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Foord shared the perspective of Cullompton resident Neil Perry, who spends substantial time stuck in local traffic and estimates he could save over £2,000 annually if the station reopened. Foord warned that without a station, upcoming developments like the Culm Garden Village — poised to add over 5,000 homes east of Cullompton — would depend heavily on congested motorways, risking worsened traffic conditions and safety concerns.
Meanwhile, Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, emphasized the regional uplift the stations would provide by improving access to education and jobs along major corridors including Bristol, Exeter, and Cardiff. He noted the project’s impressive benefit-cost ratio of 3.67, projecting £180 million in economic growth for a £42 million investment. Amos also pointed out that the project is among the most advanced rail initiatives in the South West, ready to commence construction if funding is secured.
Developments near Wellington station are progressing, with planning permission granted for 200 new homes and infrastructure to support walking and cycling. Local developer Chris Winter confirmed the station site would be protected indefinitely if the Department for Transport opts not to proceed.
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood reaffirmed the stations remain under consideration but stopped short of a firm commitment. He cited financial constraints inherited from previous governments, emphasizing that not all transport projects can continue, especially those without active construction.
Lightwood acknowledged the significant housing growth in both towns and the need for improved public transport to address social and environmental challenges. He highlighted Wellington’s heavy current reliance on cars, which exacerbates social inequality, and expressed optimism about the potential shift from car to rail. The reopening of these stations would support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and enhanced social mobility, benefiting the entire South West region.