Updated 09.15

An open access application has been submitted again, after the Office of Rail and Road rejected it in July.

Alstom’s Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway Company wants track access rights between Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Nuneaton and London Euston.

The revised plans include four daily services each way rather than five, and have added new station calls at Wellington.

WSMR said: ‘Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway is committed to delivering the connectivity that communities across Wales and England need and deserve. Our resubmitted application reflects stakeholder feedback and demonstrates how we’ve listened to MPs and regional partners who urged us to reapply.

‘This application differs from our previous submission, which includes us requesting fewer train paths and offering an additional stop at Wellington, enhancing connectivity for people in Shropshire. Furthermore, by making better use of available capacity – including paths that have been released and remain unused – we aim to strengthen regional links and support economic growth.

‘WSMR’s new open access service will provide faster, more convenient travel options for passengers in Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Wellington, Telford, Walsall and beyond, improving access to jobs, education and leisure opportunities. We remain committed to introducing this service for the regions we serve and delivering benefits for communities along the route.’

Wrexham County Borough Council deputy leader Cllr David Bithell is quoted as saying: ‘Wrexham Council has continued to support improvements to rail services and it is now a priority to improve links to the Midlands and London Euston.

‘Following positive discussions with WSMR we fully support their new application. The investment in Wrexham as a place and the success of Wrexham Football Club provides real opportunities to build major transport links to support the city’s aspirations.

‘The Department for Transport has previously supported the application. The council will now lobby all our MPs and MSs and will meet WSMR to help secure these vital services.’

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