David Warburton, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Frome, invited Rail Minister Claire Perry MP to Somerset last week to discuss plans to enhance Frome’s train line and provide a fast train service to the capital.
Frome station is currently on a single track extension, looping from the main line, and train operators are unable to offer larger or more frequent trains while this track remains single. Plans are being discussed, however, to upgrade the line to double track, enabling a faster, direct train service to operate from Frome to London. A possible fast train service would add Frome and Bruton to the line from Yeovil to London Waterloo.
David Warburton explained, “Fast and efficient rail links to Frome must form a vital part of the infrastructure for the future, and a fast train service to London would represent a massive benefit for local people, businesses, tourism and the economy in general.
“The government’s £20m New Stations Fund, launched in January 2013 for upgrading and extending rural rail networks, has been exhausted. I therefore pressed Claire Perry to ensure that the Conservative Party’s Election Manifesto includes a commitment for a renewed New Stations Fund, so that rural communities can get the local infrastructure they need.
“Claire Perry and I discussed upgrading the Frome line and also Frome’s train station itself, so that we can connect better to the rest of Somerset and beyond. Claire confirmed that government funds may be available for such projects as long as a clear economic case is built. I want to build that case now together with local authorities, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Network Rail and the train operators themselves, so that Frome is better connected.”