Complaints rise over new rail signalling system in Shropshire

One train travelling between Shrewsbury and Crewe was delayed for around 45 minutes yesterday due to signalling problems.

The train came to a standstill at 8.20am yesterday and did not get moving again until 9.35am.

Since October 14 signals along the line have been controlled 120 miles away in Cardiff.

The new system replaced Wem's historic signal box. Mavis Choong, spokesman for Network Rail, said: "It was reported to us at 8.34am there had been a signal failure.

"The issue was resolved by 9.20am with one train affected. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused to passengers."

But residents said they have been far from impressed with the new system since its launch.

Pensioner Tom Edwards, of Exford Park, said: "I have made my feelings very clear. The barriers stay down for longer now and I have seen more people dash through even though the warning lights are on.

"In my mind we can only have more delays now the signalling is controlled in Cardiff.

"My worry is what happens when the snow and ice comes. If more try and speed through there could be a real rise in the amount of crashes.

"It's all wrong. What we want is the signalman back in the box but it will never happen. They have spent too much money on this new system so you can be sure they won't spend even more to put it back."

Councillor Pauline Dee said she received a number of complaints about the new system at a surgery she held yesterday morning and added she has witnessed the problems first hand.

She said: "I held my surgery and straightaway I had a woman come up to me and say things aren't working as they should be.

"Alongside delays it is taking an awful long time for the barrier to rise. This system is supposed to be all singing and all dancing but it's not.

"On Wednesday night the barrier went down at 6.45pm and stayed down for 15 minutes, it was then extremely slow getting up.

"It's happening all the time and it causes major traffic jams in Aston Street, Aston Road, Soulton Road and Station Road.

"There have been more and more problems since October 14."