THE government has been quizzed on improving rail links after backing a new runway for Heathrow.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax asked Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to confirm the number of new, direct rail links to the South West from Heathrow, once the airport’s capacity is increased.

Speaking in the Commons, after Mr Grayling’s announcement confirming the Government’s decision to build a new, north west runway at Heathrow, Mr Drax said: “There is no doubt that this will be in the best interests of the nation and of all our constituents in the south-west, where my seat is. Will he kindly confirm how many direct rail links there will be from the south west to Heathrow, as that will be absolutely key for my constituents and everyone else in the region?”

The Minister replied: “
There are two options, depending on which part of the south west you are coming from. The plan is to have a southern rail link that will join up with the South West Trains network and a western link that will join up with the Great Western network, so my Hon. Friend will have a choice. The train paths will obviously be a matter for the train operators at the time, but he will have a choice of routes to follow.”

Mr Drax said later: “I welcome the news that the endless wrangling over airport capacity is over.

“I agree with the Minister that this is a momentous step for our country and long overdue. Now, we must hope to reap some of the benefits here in the south west. Better and more direct rail links will certainly help.”