Chancellor Agrees £50K Funding as Part of the 2020 Spending Review’s “Restoring Your Railways New Ideas” Fund

After more than seven years campaigning for a new railway station to be re-opened in the Somerton and Langport area, David Warburton MP for Somerton & Frome has triumphed in today’s Spending Review, which confirmed an immediate release of £50,000 feasibility study funding to help take the proposal forward.

As part of the today’s 2020 Spending Review, Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed that feasibility funding would be granted for the proposal to open a new railway station in the Somerton/ Langport area, a project that has potential to revolutionize the infrastructure and economy of the area by providing a direct high-speed rail link for Somerset.

David first took up the new stations campaign in 2013 while he was still a parliamentary candidate.  Since being elected MP for Somerton & Frome in 2015, David has spearheaded a crusade to push forward proposals and secure government funding for a new station in the area.  Bringing together stakeholders, local government, environmental groups, focus groups and transport groups, a detailed bid was submitted to the government’s “Restoring Your Railways New Ideas Fund” in May this year.

David Warburton MP said, “After seven years campaigning for a new station to be re-opened in the Somerton-Langport area, I’m absolutely thrilled to learn that feasibility funding has now been granted and we can finally push forward this fantastic new initiative.

“The 27 miles between Castle Cary and Taunton is the longest stretch of high-speed railway line in the South West with no station. A new station in this area will deliver enormous benefits for the economy, the infrastructure and local residents, and I’m delighted that with an immediate £50,000 feasibility grant, this scheme now has the real potential to be accomplished.

“Thanks to all the hard work of so many local groups and people for getting us this far and now it’s full steam ahead – onwards!”