George Eustice, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, has welcomed the recent news that the Transport Secretary has committed a further £80 million to build a new sea wall at Dawlish, as part of the Conservative Government's wider £2 billion investment in transport infrastructure and projects across the South West Region.
This follows Network Rail submitting their plans for a new sea wall at Dawlish earlier this month. These designs will prevent stormy conditions from damaging the railway at Dawlish in Devon. Owing to high waves and strong winds, the tracks and station are regularly being damaged by flooding, as seen in 2014 when the line washed away.
The investment includes a new fleet of trains, worth over £360 million, which will increase capacity on trains on the Great Western route by 24 per cent and reduce journey times; more frequent train services between Plymouth and Penzance; and the completion of a new station at Newcourt in Devon, following over £700,000 of Government funding.
George said,
“This is great news for all who use the railways to get to and from Cornwall. As a regular user of the service, I know how frustrating it can often be for there to be problems with the line.
Today’s announcement delivers on our commitment to protect and improve the Dawlish line. This is all part of keeping Cornwall better connected to the rest of the UK and helping to ensure that the South West continues to be one of the country's most attractive destinations to commuters, to residents, to businesses and to tourists."
