Sad Day as Wrexham & Shropshire Service Ends
Wrexham & Shropshire the service which runs direct trains from Wrexham, through Shropshire and on to London Marylebone is to close this evening.
On Wednesday, it was announced the service will end today after the organisation had determined that the business has no prospect of reaching profitability.
The service launched in April 2008, restoring direct train services between Wrexham, Shropshire and London. The company quickly developed a reputation for excellence in customer service, receiving a 99% customer satisfaction score in the benchmark National Passenger Survey.
In a written statement, Chairman Adrian Shooter said: “Even though we are forced to close the business, we remain extremely proud of what we have achieved with Wrexham & Shropshire; with many stating that we set the standard for all other train companies to follow. I would like to pay tribute to Andy Hamilton, Managing Director, and everyone in the Wrexham & Shropshire team. Our people are the best in the business and have set the standard for others to follow.”
The last train will leave London Marylebone for Wrexham General at 18.30 this evening, its expected to reach Wrexham General at 22.36.
A number of online petitions have been launched in a bid to save the service, which can be found at Petition Buzz and PetitionOnline.
Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski said he would appeal to the Department for Transport to secure a future for the service. Telford MP David Wright urged the Minister of State for Transport Theresa Villiers to meet with MPs over the loss.
From tomorrow, all Wrexham & Shropshire tickets already purchased will be valid on alternative routes into London Euston operated by Arriva Trains Wales, London Midland and Virgin Trains, and from London Marylebone by Chiltern Railways.
The Wrexham & Shropshire customer service centre remains open to provide customer support. Customers wishing to speak to an adviser should call 0845 260 5200 (local call rate from anywhere in the UK).
