Train Passengers in Devon and Cornwall Feel Left Out in the Cold
Passengers in the south west express frustration over inadequate train services amid significant investments in high-speed rail elsewhere
Devon, Cornwall, Train Services, Martin Wrigley, High-Speed Rail
Newton Abbot: Recently, MP Martin Wrigley brought up train services in the south west during a debate in Westminster. He pointed out that these services have been suffering due to a long-standing lack of investment.
Many passengers in Devon and Cornwall feel neglected as billions are funneled into high-speed rail projects in other parts of the country. Wrigley mentioned that it often feels like they are treated as second-class travelers.
He emphasized that the railway connecting Devon is crucial for the local economy. A storm back in 2014 that shut it down for eight weeks cost the area over £1 billion.
Despite the importance of this line, funding for a vital phase to strengthen it hasn’t been secured yet. Wrigley expressed concerns that it might be overlooked entirely.
Transport under-secretary Simon Lightwood, who represents Wakefield and Rothwell, stated that the government is still negotiating with Network Rail about the final stage of the Dawlish and Teignmouth defenses.
Wrigley is also worried about the upcoming disruptions due to a new station being built at Old Oak Common in London, which will serve as a hub for the HS2 high-speed line.
As this station takes shape, services from Paddington will face interruptions for years. Over the recent holiday season, trains didn’t run into Paddington, forcing passengers to use Euston instead.
Wrigley noted that this situation is likely to happen more often as construction progresses. He mentioned that the new station will affect south west rail services for another six or seven years.
He’s already hearing complaints from locals about Euston station struggling to handle the passenger load. Adding to the frustration, every GWR train is expected to stop at Old Oak Common, which could delay journeys by 5 to 15 minutes.
Rachel Gilmour, another Lib Dem MP, echoed these concerns, stating that rail services in the south west are lacking and that punctuality is often poor. She called for more resources, acknowledging the financial pressures but stressing the impact on everyday people.
West Devon Conservative MP Rebecca Smith highlighted that the Tories have increased rail investment by £100 billion, including £165 million for resilience projects in the south west. However, she noted that while the government claims there’s no more money for the westcountry, it has allocated funds for a line from Crewe to Manchester.