Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Cullompton and Wellington Stations

06 May 2025 · 2 other contributors · 2,813 words

Opened by Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

Responding minister: Simon Lightwood

TransportMental Health

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Foord raised concerns about cullompton and wellington stations in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The south-west has faced chronic under-investment in transport infrastructure since the Beeching cuts.
  • Residents in Cullompton face long commute times and traffic congestion, affecting their mental health and access to employment.
  • The Culm Garden Village project underscores the need for improved railway stations to support new housing developments.

Key requests to Government

The reopening of Cullompton and Wellington stations would improve social mobility by providing better transport options for education and employment opportunities, aligning with Labour's goal of economic growth through infrastructure development.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

The south-west has suffered from chronic under-investment in transport infrastructure, with communities like Cullompton cut off after the Beeching cuts. Residents face economic challenges such as long commute times and traffic congestion, while mental health workers struggle to reach work due to lack of rail access. The Culm Garden Village project highlights the need for railway stations to support new housing developments.

Other contributors (2)
  • Graham Evans Con Tiverton and Honiton

    Reopening Wellington station could shift commuting patterns from car to rail, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. This would support economic growth in Exeter, Taunton, and Bridgwater.

  • Sarah Dyke LD Glastonbury and Somerton

    Somerton and Langport lacks a station between London and Penzance, hindering local economic opportunities. Constituents' business plans for a new station were rejected, impacting residents' ability to access jobs and services. She highlighted a constituent's son who was unable to attend Richard Huish sixth form college due to lack of rail connectivity, stressing that it creates barriers for young people.

Government Response

Simon Lightwood

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport

Despite the closure of the restoring your railway programme in July last year, the Department continues to consider the project. The stations have already received £6.15 million and an additional £45 million is needed. Due to financial constraints, it may not be possible for all transport projects to continue.

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