Plymouth has been left out of a government consultation on the future of the rail network.

There will be meetings in Exeter, Bristol and Reading but not here.

Local MP Alison Seabeck has now written to the rail minister asking for an explanation.

The rail franchise for the western area is up for renewal and companies are in the process of putting in their bids.

As a result, local MPs and businesspeople have formed a new task group to lobby for more three hour rail services to London and earlier arrivals from whoever takes over.

Plymouth Moorview MP Alison Seabeck says it's disgraceful that the city's been left out of the public consultations. She says the department for transport is paying no attention to the needs of the far south west, particularly when it comes to the renewal of the rail franchise.