On a day of major disruption on South West rail networks, The Peninsula Rail Task Force is publishing ‘Closing the Gap’ – the plan for investment into the South West Peninsula’s strategic rail network, which will be submitted to the Government today.

‘Closing the Gap’ defines the Task Force’s ambition of a 21st century rail network underpinned by three priorities: resilience and reliability, faster journey times and improved connectivity with sufficient capacity.

Chair of the Peninsula Rail Task Force, Councillor Andrew Leadbetter said: ’Our message to Government is clear: there must be real enhancements to our rail network, improving existing provision.

’Reduced services, loss of connections and slower trains are unacceptable. The Task Force recognises there is a huge funding and resource pressure on Network Rail, but our rail line is essential for our economic growth and connectivity for our communities.

’At present our railway lets us down. We have a line that remains vulnerable to the effects of climate change and extreme weather.

’Our business case shows that investment will allow our economy to grow by over £8.5bn in the coming years.’

The report is available to download from www.peninsularailtaskforce.co.uk.