Network Rail urged to resolve rail line concerns

Network Rail has been urged to "resolve any outstanding concerns pragmatically", to get a direct rail link to London up and running.

The proposal for the service between Wrexham and the capital was put forward by the Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway last year, with up to five trains a day planned.

Network Rail has recently raised concerns about capacity on the line and its ability to accommodate that many trains safely.

But Telford and Wrekin Council, whose area would benefit from the new service, said it was important for regional growth, connectivity, and sustainable travel and asked it to "move forward with the proposal".

The Labour-run authority is also lobbying for the direct trains to stop at Wellington station and has asked Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway to confirm it will be a stop on the route.

Lee Carter, the leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, said: "This is a major opportunity to reconnect our borough with the capital, boost our economy, and offer people a real alternative to car travel."

The service, which received from the Prime Minister last month, would also serve engers in Wrexham, Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Walsall and Coleshill.

It would replace a service which ceased operating in June 2024.

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