MP calls for meeting on new Torquay rail station funding

Edginswell project stalled by lack of funds

Torbay’s new MP has called for a top-level meeting to get the bay’s planned new railway station project back on track.

Years have passed since the new halt at Edginswell was agreed, but money to build it still hasn't been secured.

Now the Liberal Democrat MP for the bay wants clarity from the government over how and when the station on Torquay's outskirts will be built.

In a letter to transport secretary Louise Haigh, Steve Darling says the new station is ‘critical’ for the modernisation of Torbay’s local transport network. He also says the bay is one of the few areas where rail use is growing.

Mr Darling says design work for the station is complete, and a timetable for the work is being prepared. The business case has been backed by the Department for Transport, and it has the support of the rail industry.

“Once in service the station will have an immediate impact on our local employment and the economy as well as relieving pressures to our key hospital site,” he says.

But, he points out, the project is not fully funded and has hit the buffers as a result.

Now he is calling for a meeting with transport secretary Lousie Haigh and representatives of Torbay Council to work out where the money will come from.

The council gave the go-ahead to the new station in November last year, when planning committee chair Cllr Jackie Thomas (Con, Kings Ash) said: “This scheme is going to be so beneficial for our residents. It’s in a sustainable location and it supports our economy.”

Councillors first considered the plans as long ago as 2017.