“Ambitious” plans for Cornwall’s rail service are back on track with the news that two extra carriages will be added to the sleeper service.

At the same time transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has confirmed the government will continue to work with the Department for Transport, First Great Western and Network Rail to develop the network further.

Long term plans include a full upgrade of the Night Riviera Sleeper Service, new maintenance facilities at Penzance and bringing forward the upgrade of the signalling on the rail line between Penzance and Plymouth.

This should support faster, more frequent trains on the mainline throughout Cornwall to enable a spinal half hour shuttle service.

The government has now agreed to support the first phase of the scheme by providing two additional coaches for the sleeper service, which is currently used by more than 30,000 people each year.

Welcoming the announcement Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for transport and waste, said: “We welcome this short period of stability, and thank Mr McLoughlin for his commitment to sorting out the franchising situation.

“However, Cornwall's rail agenda is ambitious, forward-looking and dynamic – and we are working to improve the infrastructure by upgrading the mainline signalling through Cornwall so that, when the franchise is re-tendered it will enable us to be developing services and expanding the importance of the railway in the conduct of Cornish life, trade and leisure.

“The council's staff have worked beyond the call of duty on these things, and I am very grateful to them – it's not just a job for them, and everybody benefits from such commitment and passion.”

Cornwall Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership are putting £1 million towards the costs of providing the additional carriages as part of its ongoing investment in rail infrastructure, which has seen the council become Network Rail’s largest local authority partner.