AN UPDATE on the future of plans to bringing a railway stop back to Wellington is expected soon.

The Devon and Somerset Metro Group is set to meet this Friday (February 21), to discuss the latest plans.

The idea was floated in 2017 as the government announced intentions to reopen stations which were closed in the Beeching cuts in the 1960s, which includes the Wellington station that first opened in 1843.

The Devon and Somerset Metro Group was formed to bring plans forward, as the Wellington project run alongside a similar hope of bringing a station to Cullompton.

A feasibility study has recently been carried out, using money pledged from an array of councils.

The last meeting of the Devon and Somerset Metro Group Somerset West and Taunton Council was tasked with raising £1.5million to ensure progress could continue.

It was also outlined at the meeting that the existing train station would not be reopened, as instead the new venture would involve a metro-style halt on land west of the existing platform.

Both of the potential new stations come with a £1.5million price tag to keep the ball moving.

At the time of the previous meeting, SWT chief executive officer James Hassett said he would be working with Stephen Walford, his counterpart in Mid Devon, to create a plan of action.

Cllr Mike Rigby, executive member for Planning and Transport, said following the September meeting: “There has been a great deal of progress developing feasibility studies and engaging with Network Rail, GWR and others.

“Work so far has identified that it might require investment in the region of £1.5m each for Wellington and Cullompton stations to get the project onto the Department for Transport’s pipeline and subsequently onto delivery.

“Exact requirements and their precise costs are still being determined, and it is not yet known how much of the potential £1.5m for Wellington station might need to be funded by SWT.

The meeting on Friday is set to be chaired by Devon MP Neil Parish, and will be attended by a range of councillors, officers, and experts, as well as Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane.

Ms Pow says she has been working with local stakeholders to progress the plans, has met with Transport Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, and plans to discuss the subject with the rail minister following the metro group meeting.