Shropshire Star

Shropshire direct rail service is on track

Shropshire could get a new direct rail service to London by next December, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today.

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He made the surprise announcement in the House of Commons as part of an update to MPs on the latest situation regarding the West Coast Main Line franchise fiasco.

He said an inquiry into the fiasco had found 'serious problems' and 'unacceptable flaws' in the bidding process.

It was also announced today that Virgin will continue to run the West Coast Main Line on an interim basis for up to 23 months as a fresh bidding process takes place. Mr McLoughlin said negotiations were taking place with Virgin about introducing a direct service to Shrewsbury in 12 months time.

"There is still work to be done but I very much hope we can get this service in December next year," he said.

A spokesman for Virgin Trains said: "Further discussions clearly have to take place but we look forward to working closely with the Department of Transport with the aim of making this happen."

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