Renewed New Stations Fund for the South West

David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome, welcomed the announcement in the recent Budget that the government has committed to a £7.2 billion investment in transport infrastructure for the South West.  

Additionally, the Budget specified, “The new round of the New Stations Fund will consider any local proposals for a new station between Castle Cary and Taunton.”

In 2013, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin MP launched the New Stations Fund, allocating funds to support the re-launch of local railway networks.  The fund was exhausted but in this Parliament the Conservative government has committed to renewing this resource, to facilitate the re-opening of train stations and the improvement of rail links across the country.

David Warburton MP said, “Fast and efficient transport links are crucial to our local economy here in Somerset, and for two years I’ve been lobbying the Chancellor and the Department of Transport to secure significant funding to improve our transport infrastructure in the area.  I’m delighted that the government has now made a firm commitment to renew the New Stations Fund to the tune of £7.2 billion for the South West.

“Extending rail links in the area would enable a huge boost to our local economy, and the benefits of new train stations in our area  – such as one between Castle Cary and Taunton – will be life-changing to thousands of Somerset residents and businesses.”