A surprise visit from the Prime Minister has sparked a renewed call for action on Cullompton's transport woes. Mid Devon Liberal Democrats are urging the Government to honour its pledges of funding for the town's relief road, Junction 28 and train station, following a public consultation that showed overwhelming support for the projects.
The PM's brief stopover, which was not announced beforehand, coincided with the end of the consultation period, which received nearly 900 responses from local residents and stakeholders.
92 per cent endorsing the Cullompton Relief Road and 95 per cent backing improvements at motorway Junction 28. This decisive feedback is set to be presented to Devon County Council's cabinet later this month.
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Councillor Steve Keable (Taw Vale), cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration said: "The fact that the Prime Minister chose to stop off briefly in Cullompton hopefully means he will be finally taking steps to deliver on his party’s long-promised funding to reopen Cullompton train station and improve our local infrastructure.
“With the announcement of new money for transport improvements in the South West due to changes in the HS2 project, we believe the time has come for concrete actions and not mere empty promises. The Prime Minister needs to put his money where his mouth is.
“The public has resoundingly backed proposals that would build the relief road, ease congestion, and improve the lives of everyone living in the local area. All stakeholders must heed this call and work to fulfil these long-awaited aspirations.”
Cullompton’s MP Richard Foord added: “It was nice of the PM to nip by for a flying visit, but I will welcome funding to re-open the station when we see it.
“This is a campaign that’s been running for years, and one I’ve been proud to support through my work as Devon’s Chair of the Metro Board, whose members have put together a strong business case.
“It’s a real community effort; it is the tenacity of people in the town that has got us this far and they deserve action, not more warm words.”
