The new Marsh Barton Railway station officially opened this morning, with the first trains leaving tomorrow morning. 

A special opening ceremony was held at the station today attended by Transport Secretary, Mark Harper.

Opening the station with Mark Harper was Ben Roberts-Mitchell, a local resident who despite having a rare genetic condition has been enthusiastically watching as the station construction progressed.

The station will be served by hourly Great Western Railway services between Paignton and Exmouth, with half-hourly services at peak times.

The first train service at the new station will be the 0534 Exeter St Davids to Paignton, calling at Marsh Barton at 0538.

The station features two fully accessible platforms equipped with Ticket machines, Smart ticket readers, Live train departure screens, Waiting shelters and Help points

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council cabinet member for climate change, Environment and Transport said: “It's extremely satisfying to see Marsh Barton railway station become a reality. Despite a number of setbacks and challenges over the years we have persevered and remained committed to this project to ensure more people in Devon have access to sustainable transport links, helping to tackle congestion on our roads, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

“This is the third station we have helped to deliver in the county over the past eight years, following new stations at Newcourt and Cranbrook, as well as the opening of the Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton.

“Marsh Barton Station is another major improvement to the rail network in Devon and we're honoured that the Secretary of State can join us to mark this occasion. Thanks go to all of the partners involved for their efforts that have made this scheme possible and we’ve no doubt it will be very well used.”

Councillor Yvonne Atkinson, County Councillor for Alphington and Cowick, said: “Locals are excited it will be open for the summer holidays. I see cyclists and walkers stopping to admire how beautiful the station is. It nestles perfectly into the ECC/Devon Wildlife Trust Riverside Valley Park which is a haven for wildlife. Now people will be able to enjoy this straight off the train. It is a credit to the partnership between DCC, ECC, Network Rail, GWR and GRAHAM.”