LAWS SLAMS COUNTY COUNCIL FOR MISSING CHARD JUNCTION OPPORTUNITY
David Laws, MP for Yeovil Constituency, has condemned Somerset County Council for refusing to buy a plot of land next to Chard Junction which would be critical to reopening the station.
The land was due to be auctioned in December before David Laws stepped in to allow the County Council the chance to buy it, in line with the their own Strategic Transport Plan. However, the Conservative controlled authority has now decided not to bid for the plot, even though it is being offered at a reduced price.
David Laws MP said:
“The local Conservatives’ decision not to buy this land is nothing short of disgraceful. The land will be critical if Chard Junction station is to be reopened – which is part of the County Council’s own Local Transport Plan.
“The car parks at Crewkerne and Axminster stations already operate at capacity, and our area needs a new station at Chard Junction with a large car park.
“The County Council, as the area’s Transport Authority, have a responsibility to plan for the future, and are wasting a golden opportunity. If this land is bought privately, it will only cost taxpayers more in the future.”
ENDS.
Category: MP Press Releases