Fast London train calls concern North Devon councillors

Plymouth Chamber of Commerce says businesses need fast links to London

Faster trains to London could adversely affect north Devon's economy, according to the district council.

Business leaders in Devon and Cornwall would like to see two, three and five-hour journey times from Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance, respectively.

But North Devon District Council said this could mean fewer trains stopping at Tiverton Parkway.

Most people from north Devon travelling to London choose to drive to Tiverton and catch the train there.

The alternative is to take the local Tarka line service to Exeter.

Rodney Cann, the council's independent deputy leader, said reducing the number of trains stopping at Tiverton could set back north Devon's economy by 20 years.

"The Tarka line is a delightful and successful line, but it does take an awful long time to get to Exeter," he said.

"But jump on to the A361 straight up to the Parkway and it's very convenient, it's relatively swift given our isolation and our industry, our employment and our future growth depends on it."

Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, however, said it believed the whole of the South West's economy would benefit from improved transport links with London.

Chief Executive David Parlby said the chamber had been in discussions with Plymouth City Council, Devon County Council and Cornwall Council about faster trains.

"We have not said we're looking for a reduction in services elsewhere in Devon... what we're asking for is more three-hour train journeys from Plymouth," he said.

But while the chamber's aim was to achiever faster trains, any decision about new services and which stations they stopped at would be made by the operator awarded the new Great Western franchise, Mr Parlby added.

First, which currently runs the franchise from Penzance to London Paddington, will find out in December if it has been given a new 15-year contract.