A train company which runs services through Shropshire has recorded one of the best punctuality records across the country throughout September, new figures have revealed.

Arriva Trains Wales appeared third highest for punctuality in a list of 19 UK train operators. Its rate of 96.1 per cent of trains running to time in September, was up from 95.9 per cent in the same month last year.

Meanwhile Virgin Trains, which also operates in Shropshire, dipped below the national average with a punctuality rate of 91.3 per cent.

However it was up from the 89 per cent recorded in September 2009. Details for the Wrexham & Shropshire train company did not feature on the list.

Robin Gisby, operations and customer services director for Network Rail, said: “September has been a good month for delivering a high-quality, punctual service to the millions of passengers and freight users who rely on train services every day.”

The figures were calculated over the periods between August 22 and September 18. Overall, the train companies averaged 93.5 per cent punctuality during the four-week period — fractionally down on the 93.6 per cent figure for the same period last year.

Chiltern had the best record for the period with 97.3 per cent of its trains on time. Thirteen of the 19 companies improved their performance compared with the same period last year.

The only train company in the public sector had the poorest punctuality during September. The London to Scotland East Coast line, operated on behalf of the Department for Transport, had a trains-on-time figure of 85.2 per cent through September.

An East Coast spokesman said: “East Coast’s punctuality continues to be affected by factors outside its control.

“For the second consecutive four-week period, the top three causes of delay were due to infrastructure and other external factors including cable theft, damage to overhead power lines and breakdowns involving other operators’ trains.”

A spokesman for Wrexham & Shropshire said it had not been included in the report because the company was not part of a rail franchise and not funded by the Government.

By Sam Pinnington