Poor state of Shrewsbury train station to be discussed in Parliament

Town MP Daniel Kawczynski believes litter and poorly maintained areas at the station are creating a bad first impression for visitors. He feels it is taking the shine off the county's new direct rail link to London, which launched shortly before Christmas.

Mr Kawczynski will call for a clean up of the railway station at a debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday, where he will seek a response from Claire Perry, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport.

Among the areas he has pinpointed as being in need of improvement is the Dana footbridge and the front of the station on the approach from Castle Foregate.

Mr Kawczynski said: "I will be speaking about the state of Shrewsbury's railway station in Parliament during a debate when the minister for rail Claire Perry will be responding.

"Standing on the Dana steps I can see what a lot of constituents have contacted me about which is a lot of rubbish strewn around and the Dana bridge is in a terrible state of disrepair.

"It gives a very bad impression to people who arrive in Shrewsbury by rail.

"We've had this fantastic direct rail link to London and this is really taking the shine off it.

"I will be contacting Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail as it's the responsibility of both to maintain and modernise the station.

"I went to the station and met with the station manager and spoke with him about the state of the toilets which are very antiquated and need modernising.

"I also went around the site with Tim Sneddon from Shropshire Council to see what the council, Arriva and Network Rail are responsible for.

"I am looking for a greater sense of urgency and people working collaboratively together to make our station really shine.

"The building itselflooks to being looks a really splendid, iconic site on arrival.It's a historical building and if it was painted properly it could be a real gem. I would be interested to hear of any views of my constituents."