A nationally significant scheme to re-open the Portishead to Bristol railway line is to be submitted to the Government for formal approval. 

On Tuesday 25 June, North Somerset Full Council agreed to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate for the £116m MetroWest Phase 1 scheme. The DCO application seeks powers to build and operate the disused section of railway from Portishead to Pill, gain environmental consent to undertake works to the existing freight railway through the Avon Gorge and obtain powers for the compulsory acquisition of land. 

Lib Dem spokesperson for the Portishead Railway, Cllr Huw James said “I am delighted with North Somerset Council’s decision to move forward the reopening of the Portishead Line. This project will ease congestion, opening new opportunities and a brighter greener future for Portishead, Pill, and the Gordano Valley! 

Let’s get on with it, get Portishead Back on Track, and encourage further green investment projects in North Somerset.”

Liberal Democrat West of England spokesperson, Stephen Williams, added: “Reopening the rail line from Portishead to Bristol should be a top priority for the West of England. Long overdue.”

[Caption: Cllr James sitting on the disused railway sleepers on the site of the proposed new Portishead Station]

The Liberal Democrats have beaten the Tories and Labour in the European Elections in Weston super Mare and North Somerset, taking almost 15,000 votes in comparison to the Tories 5,000 and Labour’s 3,000.

North Somerset Lib Dems are proud that so far 11134 residents (11%) of North Somerset constituency have signed this petition calling for the Government and Parliament to Revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU.

Over FOUR million people in the UK have made their voices heard in three days. The Liberal Democrats have consistently and proactively been championing this cause - why?

Brexit has been a failure.

It endangers our economy, our security, and our NHS. We demand better.

It's time for an Exit from Brexit. Sign and Share the Petition: 

https://petition.parliament.uk/signatures/59540348/signed

We are all in a sense of deep shock after the announcement of the death of Paddy Ashdown yesterday evening. 

Paddy was an unstoppable force not only in the Liberal Democrats but also with British politics. His willingness to work across party lines, his devotion to his liberal values, and his preference for Somerset rather than Westminster marked him out as a unique politician. 

Much has been said. Much more could be said about this incredible man. But here at the North Somerset Liberal Democrats our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Jane, his children and Grandchildren. 

We're really pleased to announce that we have selected Ashley Cartman as our parliamentary candidate for the next general election. The campaign starts now!