Campaign re-energised to win direct train to London
With just weeks to go before decision day on the proposed direct train service between Shropshire and London, the campaign to secure the new rail link is being re-energised.
So far almost 8,000 people, including residents and many local businesses, have signed the petition in support of a new Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway service, a project led by international rail firm Alstom.
With a decision looming as to whether or not the service can go ahead, Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley says now is the time for a final push from supporters.
“I believe now is the moment for everyone who wants this service to come together and make their voices heard,” said Mrs Buckley who has been spearheading the campaign from the start.
The Office of Rail and Road – a non-ministerial government department responsible for the economic and safety regulation of Britain’s railways – is due to make its decision at the end of May.
“There’s still plenty of time to sign our petition and help show the strength of feeling there is for a direct service to the capital,” said the MP.
“This new service would boost local and regional economic growth, improve rural connectivity, and connect businesses and communities directly to the capital. This will provide greater access to work, education, and leisure opportunities.”
The proposed new service also has the staunch backing of a raft of local organisations including Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Shrewsbury Business Improvement District, Shropshire Council and Harper Adams University.
In March, a special charter train, commissioned by WSMR, transported more than 100 key stakeholders, including MPs, councillors, and business leaders, from Shropshire to London Euston to demonstrate the strong local appetite for the service.
The centrepiece of the day saw Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley lead a delegation to 10 Downing Street. There, she hand-delivered a collection of letters and petitions from residents and businesses, urging the Prime Minister to back the revised proposal.
This latest bid follows the rejection of an earlier version of the plan last year, with organisers now confident that a streamlined and improved model will meet the necessary requirements for approval.
Mrs Buckley added: “The benefits of such a service extend well beyond regional boundaries. This service would link six additional under-served towns directly to London.”
