Campaign success for Simon Jupp MP as government gives green light to new Cullompton train station
Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, has welcomed the government announcement that a new train station will be built in Cullompton.
As a Devon MP and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Great South West, Simon Jupp MP has been campaigning to improve connectivity and economic opportunity across the area by introducing a direct rail link between Cullompton and London Paddington.
In March 2022, the Conservative government awarded funding to Network Rail to draw up proposals for a new station for Cullompton. The town’s original train station closed in 1964, but the population of Cullompton has since grown and is now one of the largest settlements between Exeter and Taunton.
Working as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Department for Transport, Simon’s campaign included meetings with the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP, Transport Secretary, Mark Harper MP and regular meetings with Rail Minister, Huw Merriman MP, as well as discussions with local residents.
Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said; “I am working hard to improve our local transport network and have built on the brilliant campaign to improve rail connectivity by my colleague Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane. Following my meetings with the Chancellor, Transport Secretary and Rail Minister, I warmly welcome the fantastic news that under this Conservative government, Cullompton will get its own dedicated train station. I recently conducted a transport survey in and around the town and I’m delighted we are delivering what local residents want. By improving the link to London Paddington and Exeter, we can boost our local economy whilst better connecting our communities.”
Huw Merriman MP, Minister for Rail, said; “Connecting Cullompton to Devon’s railway network is a major step forward for the area. Fast trains to London and Exeter opens up great opportunities for the local area and I’m looking forward to seeing spades in the ground. I’d like to pay tribute to Rebecca Pow MP for her tenacity and Simon Jupp MP for his efforts to secure the new station, including engaging with local people in the town. Devon’s railway network is expanding under this Conservative government, creating jobs and opportunities across the county.”
