WELLINGTON railway station could finally re-open, it has emerged.

Council chiefs are to meet to discuss the potential re-opening of the station, which closed in almost 50 years ago.

Councillor Mark Edwards, deputy leader at Taunton Deane Council, will speak with Mid Devon District Council and Devon County Council about working together towards re-establishing rail links between Exeter and Taunton.

This could mean the re-introduction of stations in Wellington and Cullompton.

Cllr Edwards said: “It has long been aspiration to find a way of reintroducing a local rail service between Exeter and Taunton and the benefits for the communities between these conurbations could be enormous.

“With the increased housing right across the South-West this is an exciting proposal.”

The station was axed in 1964 as part of the infamous country-wide cuts by Dr Richard Beeching, who was chairman of British Railways.

It is thought to be the largest town on the Penzance to London Paddington line without an operating station.

Cllr Edwards added: "There are many challenges for commuters and this type of initiative has the potential to give a huge number of people an easier route to work.

“In Taunton we already have the potential of millions of pounds of investment in the railway station by Network Rail and this coupled with the opportunities for localised railway service will assist with congestion and would have a huge impact on the potential for Wellington.

“I feel we have a real opportunity of succeeding and I look forward to taking the discussions forward.”

The Longforth Farm development in Wellington will see 500 new homes built and is thought to be a key factor in the station re-opening.