Wellington’s Member of Parliament, Gideon Amos, has described a recent site meeting with Network Rail officials as “very positive,” as plans for the town’s new railway station gain momentum after years of uncertainty.
Mr. Amos, a key advocate for the station, met with Bogdan Lupu, Industry Programme Director, and Marcus Jones, Route Director for the Western region. The £40 million project, which was finally approved by the government in July alongside a new station at Cullompton, had faced significant delays following the cancellation of the ‘Restoring Your Railway’ programme last summer.
Reflecting on the meeting, Mr. Amos said: “I was pleased to welcome Marcus and Bogdan to Wellington, where they updated me on reassembling the project team and planning the initial phases. The Conservative government left behind many unfunded railway promises, so a review was inevitable after the election.”
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He continued, “Despite the setbacks and lost time while funding was secured, we are thrilled to be moving forward. With support from Somerset and Wellington town councils and cross-party MPs, Wellington station will now be among the few new stations to be built nationwide.”
The initial station designs completed last year are currently under review, with updates underway. Mr. Amos expects final plans to be ready by spring, paving the way for a full construction schedule. Given the station’s location on the busy London-Penzance line, construction will be phased, including weekend work, to minimize disruption.
Contractors are being re-engaged, but specific timelines have yet to be confirmed. Network Rail estimates the station’s opening will occur within two and a half to three years.
Addressing local concerns, Mr. Amos also inquired about access to the proposed spine road from the nearby Lidl car park. He confirmed that contractors are already on site with work expected to be completed within the next few months.
Mr. Amos, alongside fellow Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord from Cullompton, spearheaded the campaign to secure approval for both stations. Their efforts included bringing local residents to Parliament to engage directly with the Rail Minister and forming a cross-party alliance to support the project.