Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski has added his support to plans to introduce an extra 1,000 carriages onto the nation’s railway network.

The Conservative MP said the proposed expansion of the rolling stock available to British railway companies would be a relief to travellers and commuters who suffer daily overcrowding on the country’s trains.

However Mr Kawczynski said if the Government was so keen to cut congestion on the roads, they should support the restoration of Shrewsbury’s direct rail link to London.

He said: “While there are proposals for new carriages to tackle the overcrowding on our trains, there is talk that the majority will be given to south eastern lines.

“I agree that they have the worst of the problem, but it is not exclusively theirs. I will be lobbying our local train operators to ensure the highest standard of train service from Shrewsbury.”

The MP said it was a timely announcement that would hopefully raise the profile of the fresh bid by Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway (WSMR) which had to resubmit its plans for non-stop services to the capital.

Mr Kawczynski wants the Government to support the bid to improve the public transport network.

“This has raised the profile of the Railway Review due later in the year. I want to know why there is so little Government support in establishing a direct service to London from Shrewsbury,” he said.

“If the Government is so keen to cut the number of car journeys in this country, as well as being in favour of reducing road congestion and improving the public transport network, why then will they not support the excellent proposal of a direct rail link from Shrewsbury to London?” added the MP.

Mr Kawczynski also recently met the boss of Arriva Trains to discuss their objection to the direct link. He has invited chief executive Bob Holland to discuss the matter with MP Chris Grayling, the shadow transport secretary.

By Andy Robbins