Network Rail reject direct Shrewsbury to London link
Network Rail has today rejected plans by Virgin Trains to provide a direct rail link from Shrewsbury to London.
The application by Virgin Trains was turned down by Network Rail who said it would have an impact on performance of the West Cost line.
The proposals would have seen two services depart from Shrewsbury at 7.06am and 3.06pm Monday to Saturday taking a journey time of 2hours 12 minutes. Return trains have left London Euston at 11.33am and 6.37pm. A Sunday afternoon departure would have also been offered.
Earlier this year representatives from Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council and Shropshire Business Chamber met with Virgin Trains’ Chief Operating Officer, Chris Gibb, and their Communications Director, Arthur Leathley, to discuss the proposal which had been widely welcomed by rail users and the Shropshire business community.
A previous direct rail link operated by Wrexham & Shropshire ended in January 2011, a fall in passenger numbers was blamed for the demise of the service.
Virgin Trains is currently operating the West Coast line as a temporary arrangement until 9 November 2014, after which the West Coast line will be let under a long-term franchise following a revised competition process.
