As the Conservative Councillors for North Somerset we are deeply disappointed that the Labour Government has pulled funding for the Portishead Railway.
The railway has been an ongoing project for 30+ years and was a major infrastructure scheme for North Somerset to improve our public transport, support efforts towards net zero and better connect our communities.
Councillor Peter Burden (Portishead South) said: ‘I like many of my constituents feel very let down by the scraping of the very long awaited re opening of the Portishead railway line. Especially because of the large amount of time and money that has been invested to get the plans ready for construction. The redevelopment and major growth plans for Portishead in the last 35 years have always made provisions for the reopening of the Portishead railway line and this has been supported by governments of all parties and the rest of the region.’
Sir Liam Fox (Former Member of Parliament for North Somerset) secured a debate in parliament to support this project in June 2022, highlighting the need for the project locally and the benefits it would bring to Portishead the local area.
It's clear that the previous Labour government refused to take action to secure this vital infrastructure link therefore, it shouldn't be a surprise that the new Labour government has pulled the plug.
As councillors we are irritated that this major project has been pulled when we supported it in January of this year.
Portishead Rail meets the environmental, transport and economic criteria for a project of this size, has enjoyed cross party support locally and was set to commence.
It's concerning that our new Labour MP, a member of the government seems unable to protect a major local project.
