MPs demand high speed rail for Cornwall
Cornwall’s MPs have written to Network Rail boss, Iain Coucher to demand high speed rail links for Cornwall.
The company has announced it is considering expanding the network with five new rail lines across Britain.
The MPs says new links should come to the far West of Cornwall, via all major stations to Penzance.
Commenting, North Cornwall's MP, Dan Rogerson said:
“It’s good news for the country that Network Rail is considering a major expansion of our rail network – and not before time.
“But for this to be good news for Cornwall, we need assurances that increased capacity won’t be limited to Bath or Bristol.
“The Cornish economy could receive a real boost if journey times between London and Penzance can be substantially reduced.”
Andrew George, MP for the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives added:
“Cutting down the 5-6 hour Penzance to Paddington journey time in future would be great. But the present priority is to improve the services we have; especially passenger comfort, punctuality and ticket pricing.
“There are 9 trains a day (including the sleeper) with a four hour gap between 10am and 2pm.
“Trains are often overcrowded. Sometimes the toilets and buffet aren’t functioning and arrival times can prove to be a bit hit or miss.
“I welcome these plans but hope they aren't used as another excuse for the service long suffering passengers deserve to have now.”
