SOUTH Dorset's MP has raised concerns to transport bosses on the rail link from Weymouth to London and whether it is a 'large blip on the Government's radar'.
MP Richard Drax asked the question during the transport secretary Grant Shapps' announcement in the House of Commons of a new, radical overhaul of national rail services.
It comes amid Weymouth councillors said they are 'furious' as operator South Western Railway (SWR) axed a significant number of services on the Weymouth to London Waterloo line this week.
Mr Drax said: “Faster trains to London from Weymouth in my constituency are a key infrastructure improvement if we are to create more jobs and prosperity.
"A line via Poole and Bournemouth operates to capacity - so restoring a short stretch of track to the south east of Yeovil Junction to link up with the Salisbury line would do the trick.
"Can my right honourable friend reassure my constituents that this easy improvement is a large blip on his radar?"
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps replied that the upgrade was 'absolutely' on his radar and that 'few things we’ve done are more popular in transport and rail than restoring railways'.
He said: "I’m fully aware of the extent to which these railway reconnections can make big differences to our constituencies and the Government is fully in favour of doing that."
In response Mr Drax said this is 'good news'.
He added: "Renewing the line around Yeovil Junction has long been a project of mine and it would bring great benefits to South Dorset.
"For a modest outlay – in railway terms – the journey from Weymouth to London can be cut by at least half an hour, while easing the load on the heavily congested and only partially electrified Waterloo to Weymouth line.
"I warmly welcome Great British Railways and trust the Government’s renewed interest and investment this precious national asset will come to fruition very soon."
A new timetable introduced by SWR on Monday brings a return to hourly services with the loss of some early and late trains.
Meanwhile a ‘seaside special’ which runs through Gillingham and Sherborne to Weymouth is to disappear from the South Western Railway schedule altogether.
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