CCTV plan for Gobowen Railway Station

Plans have been lodged by Arriva Trains Wales for CCTV cameras and electronic information screens to be installed at Gobowen Railway Station.

Councillors today welcomed the move, saying the station, which serves Oswestry and the surrounding villages, would be "brought into the 21st century" if the plans were approved.

And rail chiefs said the CCTV cameras would help police crack down on crime at the busy station.

Arriva has submitted the plans to Shropshire Council.

In planning papers accompanying the application, the train firm said the screens would provide passengers with electronic train running information.

The firm wants to mount the screens and CCTV cameras underneath the rail station canopy.

It is also proposed to install CCTV cameras within the station's waiting room area.

Councillor Ron Jones, chairman of Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council, welcomed the improvements.

He said: "This will bring the station into the 21st century and it is about time.

"Having the electronic screens will enhance the service to passengers.

"You can go to a remote station in North Wales where trains hardly every stop and discover they have these screens so it is sensible that Gobowen station, which is so well used, has them as well.

"Having the CCTV cameras there will also be a boost although I have not heard of any anti-social problems there recently.

"What I would also call for is more car parking at the station. The car park is often full and people are tempted to park in the village centre, causing congestion and parking problems for everyone."