The DfT says services to Plymouth and Paignton are already provided

The government has suggested that train services between London Waterloo and Plymouth and Paignton should terminate at Exeter.

The suggestion was included in a consultation paper ahead of the South Western franchise bid in February 2007.

Pressure group Transport 2000 has criticised the proposal and is calling on local MPs to oppose it.

Duplicate service

The franchise will combine the existing South West Trains and Island Line franchises.

The Department of Transport has launched a consultation process inviting bids to tender in which it has outlined a number of aims and objectives for service providers to meet.

One proposal is the removal of services from London Waterloo travelling west of Exeter to Plymouth and Paignton, which it says duplicate services provided by other operators.

The plans also include an upgrade to services between Waterloo and Exeter and a possible new station to serve the new town of Cranbrook east of Exeter.