Shrewsbury to get direct rail link to London from May 2014
Shrewsbury is to get a direct rail link to London the Office of Rail Regulation has announced.
Virgin Trains will operate the service from May next year.
Network Rail had suggested that allowing more services on the West Coast Main Line would put the route under greater strain and result in more late services. However Virgin launched an appeal with the Office of Rail Regulation and will now operate the service from May 2014.
South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne said “This is positive news for the county. Shrewsbury is the only county town in England not to have a direct rail link to London so I am pleased to that this new service will be put in place.
“I know there is strong public support for this service and this is something I and other Shropshire MPs made very clear when we met with the Transport Secretary to discuss Network Rail’s earlier decision. This is welcome news for local businesses and tourism. “
Network Rail had suggested that allowing more services on the West Coast Main Line would put the route under greater strain and result in more late services. However Virgin launched an appeal with the Office of Rail Regulation and will now operate the service from May 2014.
