Prospective Conservative MP Anne Marie Morris raised a number of issues, including that of the coastal railway line near Dawlish, when she met with Shadow Minister for Transport Stephen Hammond and First Great Western Managing Director, Mark Hopwood on Friday.

She also discussed the poor state of the bridge at Dawlish Station with the FGW management team and received a promise to look into the issues. First Great Western is responsible for the upkeep of the station.

Mark Hopwood gave his assurances that, following discussions, there were no plans by Network Rail to build an inland railway and that FGW were looking forward to continuing running services on the line. The line runs close to the sea and has been widely reported as being vulnerable to rising sea levels.

Anne Marie was also pleased to learn that a new 0706 service running from London Paddington to Newton Abbot was being planned.

Stephen Hammond promised to look into the issue of the Kingskerswell bypass, which has been provisionally allocated funding, yet is currently awaiting ministerial approval. Shadow Business Secretary Ken Clarke recently said that it would be a mistake to cut the budget for capital projects.

Anne Marie said: "I am delighted that one of the principal operators on the line from Exeter to Dawlish has committed to the line, which we certainly don't want to lose.

"Everyone knows the bridge is in a poor state of repair and due to its prominent location in the town should be repaired as a matter of urgency.
“I'm pleased therefore to have a commitment to look into the issue."

Commenting on the proposed 0706 service from Paddington, Anne Marie said: "First Great Western made a formal proposal to the Department of Transport in the autumn for the train to be included from December of this year.

"This will result in improved links for business purposes and that people will be able to reach Newton Abbot before 10am. I'm sure Teignbridge will benefit from this proposed service. "

"I have been lobbying for a cost effective solution to the bypass issue and am happy to have brought it to the attention of the shadow cabinet.”