Call for capital train link to stop in Wellington
People in Wellington were this afternoon urged to lobby Virgin Trains to make a push for a direct line from the town to the capital a reality.
It is hoped the long-awaited direct rail link between Shrewsbury and London will finally get on track by the end of this year. Transport Secretary Patrick McLouglin has said that the new service by Virgin Trains could be up and running in time for Christmas.
Telford & Wrekin councillor Mike Ion welcomed the news, but said people now need to lobby Virgin Trains to make sure the direct line does stop in Wellington.
He said he was delighted at the news that Virgin Trains will be applying to the Department for Transport and to Network Rail to run two direct trains a day from Shrewsbury to London Euston.
Councillor Ion has been leading a campaign to lobby for a direct rail link between Shropshire and London to include a stop in Wellington, which he believes will do wonders for the local economy.
He said he was particularly pleased that Virgin Trains have made clear their intention that each of the trains will stop at both Wellington and Telford.
However he has warned that there is still a long way to go despite the announcement and is calling on residents to get involved.
He said: "This is great news for Wellington. As a local borough councillor I have been encouraging residents and businesses to contact Virgin Trains and make the case for Wellington.
"I believe strongly that restoring the Wellington to London direct rail link will have significant benefits for Wellington.
"However while the announcement by Virgin Trains is to be welcomed there is still a long way to go before confirmation that a link will be restored."
