Devon is set to be the recipient of two new railway stations thanks to a funding boost from the scrapped HS2 line to Manchester.
Rishi Sunak announced at the Conservative Party Conference that the high-speed rail link that was initially supposed to connect the north with London will now terminate in Birmingham in a devastating blow to the government’s levelling-up agenda.
The prime minister pledged to use the funding to provide a host of other road, rail and transport links for the north, but it has since been revealed that the list included fixing potholes in the south and building a tramline that already exists.
It has also now been revealed that Devon is set to benefit from the reallocation of the £36 billion ring-fenced for the rail project.
Plans to open a railway line between Cullompton and Wellington, as well as a new station at Tavistock which will connect it with Plymouth, will get funding.
There will also be cash set aside to complete the South West Resilience Programme in full, making the vital route between Exeter and Plymouth via Dawlish more resilient in the face of extreme weather
Huw Merriman MP, Minister for Rail, said; “Connecting Cullompton to Devon’s railway network is a major step forward for the area. Fast trains to London and Exeter opens up great opportunities for the local area and I’m looking forward to seeing spades in the ground.
“Devon’s railway network is expanding under this Conservative government, creating jobs and opportunities across the county.”
Simon Jupp, the Tory MP for East Devon, said; “I warmly welcome the fantastic news that under this Conservative government, Cullompton will get its own dedicated train station.
“I recently conducted a transport survey in and around the town and I’m delighted we are delivering what local residents want. By improving the link to London Paddington and Exeter, we can boost our local economy whilst better connecting our communities.”
Related: Pojects to be funded by HS2 money were ‘only illustrative’ – Sunak
