HS2 and the South-West: District Council to debate

In light of concerns: 
Futures Forum: HS2 and the South-West
the following motion has been proposed for next week's full council meeting on Wednesday 23rd October at 6.30 pm:

14 Motion 2 – Exeter to Salisbury and Waterloo railway line

“This Council has long recognised the vital importance of the Exeter to Salisbury and Waterloo railway line, and has for a considerable time sought to achieve improvements to the line. The Council is disappointed that its efforts have only been partially successful in achieving a passing loop at Axminster, which has allowed an hourly service between East Devon and London. 

The Council is particularly disappointed that its strong support for a passing loop between Broadclyst and Whimple, which would allow a half hourly service between East Devon stations and Exeter, has not resulted in the provision of this vitally important improvement. 

The Council believes that the HS2 is not the best way of improving rail infrastructure nationally, and represents very poor value for money. The Council calls on the Government to scrap the HS2 project, and instead improve rail services across the country such as the Exeter to Salisbury and Waterloo line which would deliver considerably more benefits to rail services in a much shorter time period. 

The Council agrees to write to the two MPs representing East Devon constituencies to seek their support for better rail services and a better allocation of resources to achieve this.” 

Proposed by Councillor Roger Giles, Seconded by Councillor Claire Wright and supported by Councillors Trevor Cope, Ben Ingham and John Jeffery. 

http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/council_agenda_231013.pdf
See also:
Exeter to Salisbury Railway Line:
www.eastdevon.gov.uk/eb_rpt_191005_item22.pdf
South-West Main Line:
www.eastdevon.gov.uk/eb_rpt_141205_item15.pdf.pdf
Exeter To Salisbury To Waterloo Railway Line
www.eastdevon.gov.uk/rail_passing_loops.pdf
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