Following an invitation by South East Cornwall MP Sheryll Murray, a Minister for Transport, Theresa Villiers, made a visit to the constituency to find out about local issues. During her visit she heard about the need for a bridge over the A38 in Saltash, listened to concerns at Saltash train station, travelled the Looe line and promised to investigate communication masts on the Fowey.
Sheryll & Theresa started their day in Waitrose in Saltash to meet with local Councillors, including Town Mayor Martin Gee, and local residents. They heard the many concerns and heard about the need for a bridge over this very busy road before going to the site and seeing it for themselves. Sheryll said, “There is a massive need for a way to cross this very busy road safely. I will continue to actively campaign for this looking for ways to achieve this goal. I am meeting with roads Minister Mike Penning and will raise this issue with him next week.” Theresa promised, “It is clear there is an issue on this road and I will take this up with my colleagues in the Department of Transport and raise the concerns of residents.”
Next it was a meeting with the Saltash Rail Users Group to discuss issues with trains and the station in Saltash. Both Sheryll & Theresa heard representations on making trains stop in Saltash and on the derelict building on the station. Sheryll said, “Saltash is the largest town in South East Cornwall and it is very important that services do not drop. I am keen to work with the Town council and offer my help if there is anything I can do to expedite a solution to the derelict building on the station.” A review of the Great Western Rail Franchise, which covers the main line from Cornwall to Paddington and many other more local lines, was put out to tender by the Department for Transport last month. Theresa commented, “I was very keen to accept Sheryll’s invitation to Cornwall so that I could hear from local people the views and needs on the ground to best gauge the needs of the railway users in Cornwall.”
Theresa joined Sheryll for a trip down the Looe Valley line. She heard from local councillors and others about the line and of its importance to the wider tourist industry in Looe. Sheryll said, “This line is very important to the economy in Looe and I want to ensure the importance of this link was emphasised to the minister.” Theresa commented, “This is a very picturesque part of Britain and I was very pleased to accept Sheryll’s invitation to travel on this line with her to see this for myself.”
Sheryll also raised the issue of communication masts on the Fowey with the Minister. Sheryll said, “The proposal to put huge masts in the area of outstanding natural beauty at an enormous cost is ridiculous for the very little freight traffic which uses this route.” Theresa promised, “I want to investigate this matter and look into the details of these masts.”
Ends
Pictured: Looe.jpg: Cllr Armand Toms, Sheryll, Theresa, Cllr Richard Pugh.
Saltash Rail.jpg: Listening to views at Saltash station.
Contact: Sheryll Murray MP’s office on 01579 344428