Cornwall Council has welcomed the news that First Great Western will continue to operate rail services in the region until 2019.

The Secretary of State for Transport Patrick Mcloughlin has announced that the Government is proposing to directly extend the period of the current franchise for a further three and a half years.

He said: “As part of the Government’s long-term economic plan I want to see rail travel in the South West transformed” said the Secretary of State. “That is why we are delivering a huge programme of electrification and new, modern trains bringing faster, more comfortable and more reliable journeys. First Great Western is best placed to help to deliver these projects over the next four years.”

“Throughout this period we will continually be looking at new ways to improve the service for passengers, including developing proposals for a half hourly service between Plymouth and Penzance which could also serve Exeter.”

“This is good news for Cornwall” said Bert Biscoe, the Council’s cabinet member for transport and waste. “We are already working with First to upgrade the sleeper service, expand the depot at Penzance and improve a number of stations in Cornwall. This announcement means we will be able to complete these projects before the end of the franchise period.

“We are also committed to introducing a new half hourly service on the Cornish mainline when the improvements to the signalling have been completed and will be looking to work in partnership with First and the Department of Transport to ensure this is built into the new franchise agreement.“