Shropshire Star

Shropshire may see return of direct trains to London

Four companies were today expected to start bidding for the West Coast Main Line train franchise which could see Shrewsbury's direct rail link to London restored.

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Four companies were today expected to start bidding for the West Coast Main Line train franchise which could see Shrewsbury's direct rail link to London restored.

Transport Minister Theresa Villiers today launched the official bidding process for the franchise, which is due to be launched by December 9.

Virgin Trains, First Group, Abellio and Keolis are expected to compete for the contract with all bids needing to be in by May 1.

Top level talks have been taking place in Westminster between MPs from Shropshire and the bidders who have been putting their business case's forward for the county's service to the capital to be restored.

It is not known whether each of the bids includes a service from Shrewsbury to London but Shropshire Council leaders and MPs say they have made a 'strong case' for a morning and evening service to the capital, running both ways between London and Chester, stopping at Shrewsbury, Telford and Gobowen in Shropshire.

MP Daniel Kawczynski, for Shrewsbury & Atcham, said he hoped the service would see Shropshire's direct link restored.

He: "We are in the process of meeting with all the train operators and we hope they will incorporate a Shropshire service into their plans.

"Talks have gone very well so far and it is vitally important for Shrewsbury as the county town to have that direct link to the capital."

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