Last Wrexham and Shropshire driver thanks passengers
Monday 31st January 2011, 2:22PM GMT.
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The driver of the last ever Wrexham & Shropshire train to arrive in the county has issued a heartfelt thanks to those who welcomed the service home for the final time.
Tony Stickells, who was at the helm for the 6.30pm train from London Marylebone to Wrexham on Friday, praised everyone who braved the elements to show their support. It was the last direct train between Shropshire and the capital for the foreseeable future, with tendering for future rail services not due to take place for several months.
Devastated staff broke down in tears as the final train left London.
It comes as county MPs and officials at Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin councils continue their fight to save the link, with hopes it could be included in the West Coast Mainline franchise when it is re-tendered.
And an online petition launched to attract widespread public support has almost reached it’s 5,000 signature target. This morning 4,511 people had signed.
Mr Stickells said: “I would like to thank all the people of Shropshire and beyond who made the effort to come out on a cold frosty night to cheer the last Wrexham & Shropshire train to run from London to Wrexham. I was the driver of the train and was completely overwhelmed by the support and best wishes offered to all the staff.”
It was announced on Wednesday that the service would be axed at short notice less than three years after it was launched in the county, with the loss of 55 jobs.
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I was very saddened to hear of the closure of this service. I have used it for all my trips to London, since it began. The staff were very helpful and approachable. Nothing was too much trouble. This was a very friendly service were you actually got to know the people who worked on the train. This was a n excellent service. Good luck with the petition. I hope I will be able to travel with you again
Hazel
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