DAVID Laws MP has welcomed plans announced this week to look at ways to double track the Salisbury to Exeter railway line which serves passengers in South Somerset.

Speaking on Monday morning at the launch of a South- West Infrastructure Package, Danny Alexander said he has asked the Rail Task Force to bring forward its proposals to improve the region’s rail network, including the Salisbury to Exeter line, to June, 2016.

This would ensure that the proposals are ready in time for the next round of rail investment to be announced in July, 2017.

Mr Laws met Mr Alexander recently to discuss the Salisbury to Exeter line and push the case to double track the stretch of railway.

The line, which serves passengers travelling to and from the South-West, is currently only a single track, which can cause severe delays if problems arise.

Mr Laws said: “I’ve been pushing for the dualling of the Salisbury to Exeter line for some time, so I’m really pleased to see the Rail Task Force will now look at ways to carry out this important work in time for the next round of strategic rail investment.

“I met Danny Alexander recently to push our case and I’m pleased that he has listened to the argument.

“Last year we secured much needed investment to dual the A303 and A358 – a vital step for transport infrastructure in the South-West – but upgrading the railway line serving our region is just as important.

“Passengers using the Salisbury to Exeter line need to be able to rely on a punctual service, and at present with just a single line they can’t.

“It’s imperative that we double track the line, which would provide muchneeded durability, cutting delays and helping passengers who use the service regularly and tourists who want to visit our beautiful region.”