Wellington starts push for direct train to London

A huge campaign has begun in Wellington to get a direct train service to London, with civic leaders lobbying operators, saying if they are successful it will bring huge benefits to the local economy.

The next West Coast franchise is due to begin in December and train operators are being encouraged to put forward their proposed routes. Wellington leaders say they want the town to be included.

Both the town council and the town's regeneration partnership have written to four operators to put their case forward.

Letters have gone out to Abellio, private sector French transport group Keolis/SNCF, FirstGroup and Virgin.

Virgin currently holds the West Coast franchise but it is up for review with other operators invited to put forward bids. The franchise will last at least 15 years.

Richard Kirby, vice-chairman of the Wellington Regeneration Partnership, said: "It is important for the future economic well-being of this area that there is a direct connection to London.

He added: "We are lobbying for at least some sort of direct rail link as some replacement for the Wrexham & Shropshire service, which had been beneficial for Wellington. We think we should try as it is an opportunity that comes along every now and again."

Mr Kirby added: "I think it might be operationally difficult for the rail operators, and we have to recognise that, but for the town, economically speaking, it is quite important because of the investment which often follows having a direct link."

Wellington councillor Dor-othy Roberts said: "It is important for the economy of the town as well as the convenience of passengers."

She said the Shrewsbury to London service offered by Wrexham & Shropshire had been well used. It finished in January 2011, less than three years after it started.

Councillor Roberts said the town was calling for a direct link or for a through train to stop at the town.

By Judith Sanders