Work to modernise the Liverpool to Wrexham line is going ahead. Upgrades on the line at Padeswood have been confirmed as the first major step to run more trains.

Transport and North Wales secretary Ken Skates and Welsh secretary Jo Stevens visited the site yesterday.

The Westminster government promised to support the work at Padeswood as part of last month’s Comprehensive Spending Review with investment in Welsh railways which will be worth at least £445 million, and allow a start to be made on creating Network North Wales.

There should be two trains an hour between Liverpool and Wrexham within three years. Padeswood also serves the Heidelberg Materials’ cement works, and the upgrade will make it easier for freight trains to use the site.

Ken Skates said: ’Delivering the upgrade at Padeswood will bring real economic benefits, helping the cement works and improving connectivity between Wrexham and Liverpool, increasing services to two trains per hour. 

‘Network North Wales is about an integrated, high-frequency public transport network. While Padeswood is predicted in the next three years, more immediate changes include 50 per cent more trains on the North Wales main line, more trains between Chester and Wrexham and the start of Pay as You Go.’

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