Last Wrexham & Shropshire Service Praised by Users
Users of the Wrexham & Shropshire service yesterday praised the staff and service as the company ceased operation.
On Wednesday, it was announced the service which launched in April 2008 was to end after the organisation had determined that the business has no prospect of reaching profitability.
In its short life the company quickly developed a reputation for excellence in customer service, receiving a 99% customer satisfaction score in the benchmark National Passenger Survey.
The last train left London Marylebone for Wrexham General at 18.30 yesterday.
The service reached Shrewsbury station just after 10pm were members of the public had gathered to say goodbye to the service.
Staff on board the service were brought to tears as a round of applause was given from the platform as the train pulled out of the station.
John Price from Shawbury was at the station to see the final train, he was one of the passengers to use the service on its first day back in 2008. Speaking to shropshirelive.com Mr Price said:
”It’s a shame Shropshire is loosing such a great service, as someone who had traveled with Wrexham & Shropshire many times I can’t praise the staff enough.
“Travelling to London will now be something I do less because of the loss in a direct service to the capital.”
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 today, all Wrexham & Shropshire tickets already purchased will be transferable to 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).
