Sarah Dyke, the Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, remains determined to secure a new railway station in her constituency following the announcement of new housing developments near a potential station site.
Since her election in July 2023, Ms. Dyke has been actively campaigning to restore rail services in the area, collaborating with the Langport Transport Group and local volunteers. A recent public consultation, which ended on July 28, focused on Northern Trust’s proposal to build 150 homes east of Ricksey Lane in Somerton—one of two locations identified in a 2022 strategic outline business case for a new station.
While planning approval is still pending, Ms. Dyke plans to continue advocating for enhanced public transport and intends to request that developers contribute financially to further studies on the proposed railway station.
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Though MPs do not have a direct role in local planning decisions, they often engage with local councils and stakeholders to represent their constituents’ interests. Ms. Dyke, who previously served on Somerset Council from Blackmoor Vale, highlighted her ongoing communication with Great Western Railway (GWR), Somerset Council, and the Langport Transport Group to advance the Langport station project and explore integrated bus-rail travel options.
She stated, “If the council supports it, I would back a Section 106 contribution from developers to help progress the station proposal.”
In a parliamentary debate on July 8, following the government’s spending review, Ms. Dyke urged the Transport Secretary to prioritize rail links for her constituents. She emphasized, “Some 50,000 residents in Somerton and Langport are currently cut off from the rail line that runs through the area. The cancellation of the ‘Restoring Your Railway’ fund significantly reduced hopes for a new station.”
Ms. Dyke asked the Transport Secretary if there would be commitments toward expanding integrated bus routes to connect residents with the nearest railway stations in the interim.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander responded by noting the upcoming release of an integrated national transport strategy focused on improving bus links to stations. She explained the cancellation of the ‘Restoring Your Railway’ program was due to affordability concerns but reaffirmed support for schemes demonstrating strong economic benefits, citing projects in Wellington, Cullompton, and Portishead.
Northern Trust is expected to submit a formal planning application for the housing development in early autumn, marking a significant step forward in discussions about transportation improvements in the region.