OPPONENTS of plans to provide Wellington with a new railway station have failed to derail a proposed £40,000 feasibility study.

Liberal Democrat leaders on Taunton Deane Borough Council, Simon Coles and Federica Smith, proposed an amendment to the budget at a full council meeting last week that the council should not support what was a county and government responsibility.

Conservative councillor Bob Bowrah, who represents Wellington West and Rockwell Green on the council, would like to see a train stop in Wellington. He says any plans would take a long time to materialise but he could envisage a metro service using a train with two or three carriages linking Exeter, Cullompton, Wellington and Taunton. Wellington would be a quick halt stop with no ticket office – travellers would buy tickets at a machine.

He said: “Our roads in 20 years’ time will be absolutely gridlocked, so we have to look at alternative means of transport. If we don’t take this initiative now we can forget about it for ever and a day.”

Conservatives on TDBC say discussions with interested parties about rail station plans have been positive. Cllr Mark Edwards said: “This project is moving into a new critical phase. It is clear from discussions there is a business case making it possible and practical but to achieve our aims we need to move into this next phase of a properly worked through business case.

“Many questions still need to be answered but there is the will to make this happen. We are fully aware of the wider public support and by working closely with Rebecca Pow [MP for Taunton Deane] and Neil Parrish [MP for Tiverton and Honiton] we are growing confident we can achieve our aims.

“The reality is that this is a major project and it will take a number of years to achieve but it is possible and if we don’t start on the journey we will never achieve our aims. I am truly excited about this project and am determined to make it a reality.”

Council leader Cllr John Williams added: “This has my full support. As with economic and housing growth in Wellington, we have to ensure we provide alternative means of travel – and a rail link through Wellington, between Taunton and Exeter, will open up tremendous opportunities.

“I am aware that some people believe it will not happen but where there is the will, the way can be found. With the support from key parties that we now enjoy there is certainly the will.”