New MP backing call for Shropshire to London train link
The current lack of a direct train service between Shropshire and London is 'unacceptable' and needs to be rectified, an MP today said.
Labour MP Susan Elan Jones has said there is a vital need for more direct trains to London. Ms Jones, who represents Clwyd South, said the Government made a 'very bad mistake' in not including such services as a condition of taking on the West Coast Main Line franchise.
She made the comments in a debate in Parliament on Monday and called for direct links to the capital to be introduced as soon as possible.
The backbench debate was called after more than 170,000 people signed an online petition calling for the Government to reconsider its decision to strip Virgin of the West Coast Main Line franchise and hand its running to First Group.
The future of the line is now in limbo after Virgin launched a last-ditch legal challenge against the decision. Both train operators have said they would introduce services between Shropshire and London - but not for at least three years.
Ms Jones said: "The current situation is unacceptable and, when we consider what happened to the Wrexham and Shropshire line, all the more urgent. Whether Virgin or FirstGroup ultimately gets the franchise, this needs to be addressed properly," Ms Jones said.
After the debate, the MP added that it was vital efforts were made to get the direct line services in place within a faster time frame than was currently being planned.
"Local MPs are all in total agreement that the Government should have made more direct trains on the Wrexham-Gobowen-Shrewsbury line to London a condition of being awarded the franchise," she said.
"The Government didn't do this, despite cross-party support. That was a very bad mistake.What is vital now is that we continue to work together to get more trains to London."
