Trains could be running direct from Shropshire to London from spring next year after railway regulators approved a new service, it was revealed today.Wrexham & Shropshire, the UK’s newest long distance train operator, today announced the Office of Rail Regulation’s approval of proposals for new direct services between North Wales, Shropshire and London Marylebone.

The ORR has approved Wrexham & Shropshire’s track access agreement with Network Rail, which will allow the company to finalise plans to run trains from spring 2008.

W&S managing director Andy Hamilton said: “We are delighted to have received the go-ahead to run this new direct rail service.

“Though there is much to do, we are well prepared – staff recruitment has been under way for some time and we are delighted that we can now confirm employment contracts and start training our team.”

The company plans to run trains from Wrexham to London Marylebone, calling at Ruabon, Chirk, Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Wellington and Telford. Wrekin Tory MP Mark Pritchard today welcomed the decision.

He said: “This is great news for the county, however it is important that Wellington is also included in the timetable.”

Mr Hamilton said the company had worked hard to get to this point.

“The board would also like to publicly acknowledge the hard and sustained work undertaken by Network Rail in helping to bring about this welcome result,” he said. “We now look forward to working in partnership with other train companies to provide a fast, reliable and comfortable rail service for our passengers.”

Details will be announced in coming months, with confirmation of the launch date expected in the New Year.