New Shrewsbury-to-London rail service given a 'boost' - here's when services could begin
A new rail service connecting Shrewsbury to the capital has received the backing of the Department for Transport, an MP has said.
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The new Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands (WSMR) passenger rail service has been backed by the Department for Transport with the expectation that the service could be running by the spring if final approval is given.
The backing by the Department of Transport, which was announced today (Friday, February 7) for the new rail service connecting London with the Shropshire county town, could see Shrewsbury become “the vital economic hub between Wales and the capital,” Julia Buckley, MP for Shrewsbury, said. “This means Shrewsbury is well and truly open for business,” she added.
The final decision on the new line will be made by Office or Rail and Road (ORR).
But Mrs Buckley said the backing by the Department of Transport was a "boost" for the scheme.
She added: “I’m delighted that the additional train services I’ve been supporting between Shrewsbury and London got a boost today for the application from Alstom Engineering and Services for a new direct line between Shrewsbury and London. This application now moves to the next stage with an assessment by Network Rail regarding access into Euston.
“But all being well we expect this to be fully approved in time for the May-December timetable. That means additional services this year.
“For far too long there’s been a problem for business people and passengers generally getting from Shrewsbury to London. I took action and got into serious negotiations with the principal players. This new service is the result.”
Mobilisation Director for Alstom Engineering and Services, Darren Horley, wrote to Mrs Buckley to thank her for her support in backing the rail line.
“This would not have been possible without your support. On behalf of Alstom and SLC Rail, I'd like to thank you again for helping us raise the economic and environmental benefits of our application," he said.
Mrs Buckley added: “I’m so pleased to see our joint partnership support reap these rewards. I personally wrote to the Office of Rail and Road in support of the obvious economic benefits. I spoke to Ministers about it and I know that our local Council and Big Town Plan partners were supportive too.
“Finally, we are getting Shrewsbury moving. We will become the vital economic hub between Wales and London, helping residents, business and tourists. Shrewsbury is open for business.”
