Rail journeys in Shropshire have risen by more than 10 per cent over the past year.Shifnal station saw the biggest increase, with passenger numbers up by 28.5 per cent, figures released by the county council show.

Ludlow, Church Stretton, Craven Arms, and Wem all recorded growth of about 12 per cent. Shrewsbury station also saw an increase of more than nine per cent between April 2007 and April this year.

Overall in Shropshire the number of journeys made from its 16 stations rose by 10.35 per cent.

The figures were supplied to the county council by Arriva Trains Wales and London Midland Trains.

John Everall, council cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said today: “This is good news, and shows that passengers are returning to rail across the county, and are leaving their cars at home.”

The figures were also welcomed by rail campaigner and Shrewsbury borough councillor Mansel Williams.

“This clearly shows the choice people are making,” said Mr Williams, chairman of the Shrewsbury to Chester, and Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth railway liaison committees, as well as the Heart of Wales Line Forum.

“Government and the rail industry must now take seriously the message being sent by the residents of Shropshire, and invest more in railways across the country.”