HOPES have been raised that Wellington’s railway station could re-open more than 50 years after it closed following the launch last week of the Government’s new rail strategy.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said disused rail lines could be re-opened if they unlocked jobs, encouraged house building, eased congestion and offered value for money.

Plans to re-open routes around Exeter – along with Bristol, Birmingham and the North-East – are being considered. It is hoped Wellington station could re-open as part of a Metro-style link between Taunton and Exeter which would include a similar new station at Cullompton.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow has been pushing for Wellington station to re-open – she has held a packed public meeting at Wellington School, handed in a petition signed by thousands of people to the House of Commons and has met Ministers from the Department of Transport who have offered their support.

For the full story see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.