London to Shropshire rail link extension talks to continue

A year ago a direct rail service linking the county with the capital was re-established, although the service only runs as far as Shrewsbury.

But now Virgin train bosses have told the region's MPs that they would look into the feasibility of running the four trains that run to the town, where they currently terminate, onto Gobowen and Wrexham.

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, said the extension would grow passenger numbers using the route to the capital.

He will head to a meeting in Gobowen early in the new year with Network Rail, Virgin, Arriva Trains Wales and other MPs.

Earlier this week Mr Paterson, Welsh MPs Sue Ellen Jones and Ian Lucas, and a member of Daniel Kawczynski met with Virgin Rail representatives.

Mr Paterson said: "It was an extremely positive meeting. The heads of Virgin said that there was no reason why the trains could not be extended north and stop in Gobowen and Wrexham.

"At the moment the trains wait in Shrewsbury until it is time to return to London. That time could be spent running on the Shrewsbury to Chester line as far as Wrexham."

"There is a lot of work to do before this becomes a reality. The trains would have to fit into the timetable, platforms would have to be long enough to take the trains and there would need to be a turn around point in Wrexham.

"There would also have to be talks with Arriva Trains Wales. however I believe that this would not be in competition with Arriva. I would grow the passenger numbers and Arriva could benefit."

Mr Paterson said rail users in the north of the county often used alternative routes to the Shrewsbury to London line.

"Many prefer to drive to Crewe or use the Wem/Whitchurch to Crewe train to then change for London."

"Having a direct train from Gobowen would be a wonderful asset to the area."

"We have to ensure that the Shrewsbury to London Virgin trains continue to be well used."

The meeting in the New Year will be held at Gobowen Railway Station on January 8.