New Somerset railway station could open in 2028

An artist's impression of the new Wellington railway station

A new railway station in Somerset could open in 2028, according to Network Rail and the local MP.

The rail operator said final plans were being drawn up for a station in Wellington and should be completed by the spring, followed by a construction schedule.

Local MP Gideon Amos recently met Network Rail officials at the site where the station would be built. "Contractors are still being re-engaged and therefore have not yet provided timings," he said. "However, Network Rail believe the opening of the station will be in two-and-a-half to three years' time."

Amos said the site being on the London-Penzance mainline meant construction activity would happen in phases, including at weekends.

Gideon Amos MP (centre) recently met Marcus Jones (left) and Bogdan Lupu (right) from Network Rail, at the site in Wellington

Wellington lost its station in the Beeching cuts of the mid-1960s.

A project to reopen it was among dozens of transport schemes shelved by the government last year because of financial pressures.

In June, the chancellor confirmed in her spending review that a project to rebuild Wellington station, along with Cullompton station in Devon, would receive funding, which campaigners hailed as "fantastic news".

It is estimated an investment of about £45m will be needed to fully construct and deliver both stations.

"It's disappointing we had to lose so much time while the money was being found, but we're now in an exciting phase. If you'll excuse the pun, the wheels are finally in motion," said Amos.