Saving the Sleeper is great news for Cornwall

12.00.00am GMT Fri 16th Dec 2005

Local MP Julia Goldsworthy has welcomed the news that the Penzance to Paddington Sleeper service is to be retained. The MP has described the news as "great news for Cornwall".

Alistair Darling, the Minister for Transport has announced that First Group have been awarded the Greater Western rail franchise following a "rigorous, competitive and independent bidding process".First Group will be paying a premium of £1,131 million to the Government to provide the services.

The franchise will run for ten years, the last three of which will be dependent on achieving tough service performance targets.

It is expected that an estimated £200 million pounds of private sector investment will be made in the early years of the franchise leading to a complete re-design of the high speed fleet and fund a programme of station enhancements.

Julia commented:

"I travelled down from London on the Sleeper last night and it was great to wake up to the news that it is now a protected service. This really is a big victory for people power, and shows what can be achieved if we put our mind to it. Now that one of our core services has been safeguarded we can now turn our attention to expanding our transport links.

"In particular, it is essential that a passing loop is built into the Falmouth to Truro Branch line at the earliest opportunity. This would allow the number of trains to double and I believe would have a significant impact on reducing congestion on the road between Falmouth and Truro."