TAUNTON Deane's MP has accused local LibDems of attempting to hijack her campaign for a new Wellington train station.

Rebecca Pow recently met Rail Minister Huw Merriman to update him on the project and maintain the pressure for Government cash backing.

But she is angry at the LibDems, who have organised a public meeting and consultation on the proposed scheme.

Ms Pow said she had worked as chairman of the Metro Rail Committee of stakeholders on the Wellington Station project since 2015.

She added she initially kickstarted the project with a public meeting and raised a petition, which she handed to Parliament.

"We've successfully progressed through many funding rounds and were fast-tracked through the Restoring Your Railways Fund," said Ms Pow.

"Being able to meet the Rail Minister in person in Westminster was another important step.

"I've given him a full update on where we are with this vital project and reiterated the strength of the economic and business cases.

"Having the ear of the Government makes a difference and I'm frankly disappointed at the recent attempt by the local LibDems to lay claim to our progress so far, which is somewhat disingenuous and not true.

"This is very much a joint project with stakeholders GWR and Network Rail which I've championed locally and nationally in Parliament."

Mr Merriman said: "Rebecca has kept me constantly updated on this ambitious project and in our recent meeting made her continued strong case for a Wellington Rail Station, leaving me in no doubt about the merits of this project for her local community.

"I'm assessing the entire application and have promised to keep Rebecca informed on the progress of her application."

The LibDem-run meeting is at Wellington Baptist Church hall on Thursday, May 18, at 6.30pm.

Gideon Amos, the LibDem Parliamentary candidate for Taunton, hit back at Ms Pow's comments.

He said: “We need representatives who can lay party politics to one side and work with everyone involved when it comes to ensuring Wellington gets its new station.

“As a team, we’ve been proud to play our part in taking it forward since the last LibDem MP for the area put the idea on the Government’s agenda after winning here in 2010.

“More recently, I was delighted to work with the LibDem district council, which provided initial funding when the Conservative county council refused to do so, without which the project wouldn’t be where it is today.

“Meanwhile, we’ll continue to support the station proposal and welcome the continued work on the project by MPs, councillors and others."