Despite recovering from recent surgery Taunton Deane MP, Rebecca Pow was delighted that her endeavours so far to raise the profile for the idea of a new metro style railway station for Wellington were recognised by the Rail Minister herself and referred to during a debate on the Great Western Rail route in the House of Commons last week.

Rebecca has been pressing Transport Ministers on the benefits to the area of providing funding to deliver this vital connection service between Taunton and Wellington and linking with another proposed new station at Cullompton in Devon which would potentially link into Exeter.

In her summary speech, Rail Minister, Claire Perry said: ‘My Hon. Friend Rebecca Pow cannot be here tonight as she is recovering from surgery, but she too has campaigned on the vital issue of regional connectivity and is working hard on proposals to put forward to the New Station Investment Fund, to which this Government have committed another £20 million in the latest spending review.’

Commenting on the statement Rebecca Pow said: ‘I am delighted to see the enthusiasm for this project from both central government and more importantly Taunton Deane Borough Council. It is still early days and there is a long way to travel on this project but I am pleased with the Minister’s interest following my preliminary discussions with her.   I am also heartened that TDBC are being proactive in committing £40,000 towards the vital feasibility study that needs to be carried out in order to apply for the New Stations Fund. I urge the other organisations involved in the working group looking into the potential for metro style stations at both Wellington and Cullompton to contribute to this study too. This is crucial if we are to make any progress. In the meantime  I will continue to keep the government on board and am  hopeful that the Rail Minister will come to Wellington herself to fully appreciate  how this wonderful town could reap the rewards of increased transport connectivity.’