On Friday 4 April, two months after storm damage forced its closure the railway line running between Exeter and Newton Abbot was re-opened. Working day and night, engineers from Network Rail rebuilt the damaged stretch of line at Dawlish two weeks ahead of schedule.
Prime Minister David Cameron was on the first train down from Exeter and was greeted by Anne Marie at Dawlish station. Anne Marie introduced the Prime Minister to local volunteers who’s gave up their own time to help those affected by the storms.
The two then thanked members of Network Rail’s ‘Orange Army’ before the Prime Minister addressed the crowds and media outlets that had gathered in the station car park.
With members of the local community and Dawlish businesses in attendance it was a great day for Teignbridge and the whole South West.
Anne Marie has been lobbying hard to see a more resilient line put in place that will future proof the existing railway running through Dawlish and Teignmouth and will continue to do so in the coming months.