MPs welcome assurances that the upgrade to the Falmouth - Truro branch line has not been abandoned (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

MPs welcome assurances that the upgrade to the Falmouth - Truro branch line has not been abandoned

December 16, 2005 12:00 AM

Local MPs Julia Goldsworthy and Matthew Taylor have won assurances from Richard Bayly of the Government of the South West (GOSW) that the planned upgrade to the Falmouth and Truro Branch line has not been permanently abandoned.

The MPs pressed for a meeting with Mr Bayly following news that a proposed passing loop that would allow the number of trains between Truro and Falmouth to be doubled, had slipped down the list of priorities for (GOSW) amid conflicting demands from other major projects on a limited pot of money.

Mr Bayly explained that although the passing loop had come under pressure from other major funding priorities it was still very much on the agenda. The next stage of the project would involve providing a business case for Ministers at the Department of Transport that would prove the benefits such a passing loop would provide. Both Cornwall County Council and Network Rail support the project.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"Having spoke to Mr Bayly it is now clear why it is not straight forward to proceed with the construction of a passing loop immediately but we left him in little doubt that both Matthew Taylor and I will continue to press the case for the upgrade at the earliest possible opportunity. The rail link between Falmouth and Truro is an essential one that is much used. A passing loop would help local commuters trying to get between Falmouth and Truro to work and shop to do so more comfortably."

Matthew Taylor commented:

"The meeting with Mr Bayly was both positive and constructive and I welcome his assurances that the proposed passing loop for the Truro to Falmouth line is still on the agenda. At a time when Cornwall's transport infrastructure faces many challenges the Lib Dems will continue to work for a positive outcome. Everyone knows that the road between Truro and Falmouth can be a complete nightmare, but at present rail services are simply not up to the job".