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 | | Thursday, 11 October, 2001, 15:13 GMT 16:13 UK Railways face investment starvation  Rail firms need to replace rolling stock A leading transport expert is warning that the South West's railways could be starved of investment for the next decade. Dr Tim James, of the of the Advanced Rail Research Centre at Sheffield University, has predicted most investment will be in south-east England. It is feared funding difficulties could threaten schemes like flood prevention work at Cowley Bridge in Exeter, doubling of the Cornish main line through Probus and new signalling along the entire Penzance to Paddington route. Train companies in the South West have already been severely criticised this year. 'Rail collapse' A report by the Rail Passengers Committee covering the period up to March, said that rail services in the region had "effectively collapsed". In August, rail company First Great Western announced an �18m package to boost services for passengers.
He said: "That will mean that most of the investment will end up in the south east of England and on one or two inter city routes. "It is highly likely the west of England will suffer from almost zero infrastructure investment over the next 10 years." The South West is already struggling with dated rolling stock. But businesses have said they will support local train companies. First Great Western has won support from the Devon and Cornwall Business Council. Council backing The council recently backed First Great Western's bid for a two-year extension to the franchise, provided tough conditions are met. The top priority is new trains. Neill Mitchell of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council said: "A two-year extension will, according to First Great Western, result in orders for rolling stock. "If the franchise is not extended they won't order any rolling stock and it will be a long time before the new franchise will be in a position to do so. So, that's the key". | |  
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