Local man with a passion for trains invited to be guest of honour at station ceremony
Ben Roberts-Mitchell has a rare condition
A Devon man - who's passionate about trains - will today get to open the new Marsh Barton train station.
Ben Roberts-Mitchell - who has a rare condition - asked if he could do it after watching the station being built during his daily walks.
Trains will serve the more than £3 million platform from tomorrow. The new station will serve the Exeter Marsh Barton Industrial Estate - one of the largest employment sites in the region - as well as residents of Matford and Alphington and users of the Riverside Valley Park.
Great Western Railway Managing Director, Mark Hopwood said: “New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably. Marsh Barton will help to ease congestion on some of Exeter’s busiest roads and offer a more environmentally friendly option for those who normally drive into the area.
"Marsh Barton is one of three GWR stations to open this year along with Portway Park & Ride in Bristol and Reading Green Park, and we are excited for the benefits these stations will bring to the local economy, to residents, businesses and leisure travellers in the areas they serve.”
In a visit to Devon today, Transport Secretary Mark Harper will attend Dawlish station to mark the completion of the wall and officially open the brand-new railway station at Marsh Barton.
The new, rebuilt sea wall will protect the safety of local passengers from extreme weather conditions along the coast. It has been completed in two phases, with the latter stage protecting the Grade 2 listed Dawlish train station.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "I am delighted to see the completion of two major projects today, delivering a Government commitment to improve a vital rail route for passengers in the South West.
“These projects demonstrate a Government that is delivering our promises, investing in vital infrastructure and improving transport connections to help grow the economy.”