Exeter pushing for improved railway links for the city

Exeter City Council has welcomed the news that Transport Minister Simon Burns is to consider electrifying a further stretch of railway line, from Newbury to Westbury. The line from Paddington to Newbury is already set to be wired, together with the line to Bristol and South Wales, as part of the current electrification programme. 

"Exeter needs a modern railway to maintain its competitive edge, and electrification to Westbury would be a big step in the right direction," said Council Leader Pete Edwards.

"They are already considering the Bristol to Exeter route for a future programme, and if both these schemes go ahead there will only be a small gap to fill between Westbury and Taunton."

The City Council is also supporting a call for two trains an hour between Exeter and Paddington. "We have been calling for this as part of the new franchise," said Cllr Edwards.

"If there is one fast train and one semi-fast, it provides an express service for those who want one, without other communities losing out."

In view of recent problems with flooding and landslides, the City Council is also supporting calls for investment in the infrastructure to make it more resilient.