Shropshire Star London rail petition nearing its 2,000th name
A petition calling for a direct rail link between the county and London is approaching the milestone of 2,000 names – less than a week after it was launched by the Shropshire Star.
There is still plenty of time for you to sign up.
The easiest way to join the campaign is to sign up to the campaign online. But you can also fill in the form and send it in.
The petition will be delivered to rail officials in the capital who have blocked plans to set up services from Euston Station to Shrewsbury, Telford and Wellington.
To sign the petition, click here
Shropshire Star petition for direct rail link to London
MPs of all parties in the county have backed the campaign, together with business leaders who say that restoring the link is vital for Shropshire's future. Today those filling in our online petition were explaining what a direct link would mean to them.
Jane McIntyre, from Shrewsbury, said: "I travel to London frequently to see family and for work and leisure.
"I'm tired of driving an hour to Stafford for a direct link."
Ray Hickinbottom, of Telford, added: "A direct rail service would help local businesses and encourage more tourismas it would make access to Shropshire easier for tourists."
Steven Ross, of Telford, added: "A train service to London and back will open up endless oppurtunites for people from jobs, trade and travel."
Hazel Lambie, of Shrewsbury, added: "It is ridiculous that Shropshire has no direct link to the capital. It would benefit business, tourism and individuals. I would ask officials in London not to push us aside just because we live in a rural place."
Gretel Parker, of Shrewsbury, said: "It seems patently obvious a direct link between Shropshire and London could only bring added benefits to a relatively poor county and encourage stronger business, tourist and commuting links to the capital."
Copies of the petition will be presented to officials from the Office of Rail Regulation when they meet county MPs about the issue of Shropshire's rail link next month. MP Daniel Kawczynski has also pledged to present a formally-worded version of the petition to the House of Commons, urging the Department of Transport and the ORR to work with Network Rail and the train operators to ensure a regular and direct service from Shropshire to London is established as soon as possible.
