LONG-SUFFERING rail passengers in Devon have been dealt a   further blow after the Government put on hold plans for   next-generation express trains.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis has announced the project   to replace the ageing fleet of    trains on the Great Western   Line has been postponed.

He had previously said that    Devon would benefit from the   new high-speed trains that offer  more seats, more reliable  services and reduced journey   times. They would also be cleaner, greener and generate less   noise than the trains they were   due to replace.

The delay came on the same   day as a parliamentary report   was published calling for a raft   of improvements to the region’s   transport network.

Lord Adonis said the   multi-billion pound, 30-year express procurement programme   had run into difficulties.

These included problems borrowing cash to support the   scheme, due to the economic   downturn. Another reason for   the delay is the plan  to electrify   the Great Western Line, which   means the contract must be adapted to include provision for   electric trains.

Alison Seabeck, chairman of   the Commons South West Committee, which has warned that   the future prosperity of the region relied on improvements to   the transport network, said it   was ‘disappointing’ but not   “wholly unexpected”.

Business leaders in the region reacted with anger at the   announcement.

Tim Jones, of the Devon and   Cornwall Business Council,   said: “Yet again we find we are   the Cinderella of the rail   world.

 “We are the tail-end Charlies   when it comes to road investment and we are now falling   behind with rail investment   which is crucial in promoting   business.

  “If people are sitting on a   longer journey they want the   comfort of new trains but we are   having to put up with  rolling   stock that is 30 years old.”

Derek Phillips, chairman of    Exeter Chamber of Commerce,  said: “It is very disappointing.  We have been promised this  rolling stock but the  South West  has lost out again.”

Lord Adonis said he thought   it was not appropriate to enter   into the contract in the immediate run-up to a general election and he had ordered an independent assessment of the   value for money of the programme, which will report back   within three months.

Lord Adonis continued: “The   negotiations are for a contract   of nearly 30 years, a multi-billion pound spend over the   course of many Parliaments.

 “In all the circumstances, the   Government does not believe it   would be appropriate to enter   into this particular contract in   the immediate run up to a general election.”

But Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers said:   “Lord Adonis has badly let   down passengers by failing to   keep his promises on additional   capacity.”