Shropshire Star

Star readers' say on Shropshire to London rail link

Well over 2,000 people have so far signed the Shropshire Star's petition in favour of reintroducing a direct rail link between the county and London.

Published

Here are some of the comments from people who have signed our petition.

Colin Gittoes, of Shrewsbury: "With Shropshire at the very heart of the UK still not having a direct rail link to the capital, how can this heart of ours keep pumping lifeblood into the rural area and support businesses to succeed?"

Carolyn Chadwick, of Shrewsbury: "I travel to London regularly – the service is unreliable and slow, with changes at either Wolverhampton, Birmingham or Crewe. It is scandalous that the main town of the county has no direct link, and it is high time something was done about it."

  • To sign the petition, click here

  • See www.shropshirestar.com/rail

Lynette Butlin, of Telford: "I would be more willing to travel to London if there was a direct train as changing trains is a hassle and time wasting leaving less time to visit the attractions in London. It will also help people visit Telford to boost the tourism here and help local businesses that struggle."

Tom Gray, of Telford: "We attract over 250,000 visitors a year to our centre. Not to have a direct rail link to London is a huge disadvantage and adds more congestion on the motorway network."

Maria Lee, of Shrewsbury: "Direct service to London – currently involves one, two or three changes and ridiculous prices. Was such a shame when Wrexham & Shropshire were forced out of business. This service should have been saved and is now outrageous that the Government in their typical fashion are blocking a sensible and much needed service – who on earth do they think they are?"

Mike Richardes, of Telford: "Shropshire needs growth and a direct rail link is necessary to contribute towards this. It is nonsense to suggest that there is insufficient capacity on existing routes to accommodate the two planned services each way. It would be advisable to avoid Birmingham if possible for reasons of journey time and train capacity."

Sue Christian, of Oswestry: "People in Paris and Brussels can get to London quicker, and sometimes cheaper, than I can! This is ridiculous."

Tracey Thomas, of Telford: "While my son lived in London for six months we visited many times by train. We had to drive to Wolverhampton then change trains for the cheapest option. The other option was Telford to Birmingham and then on to London, but for some strange reason the Telford to Birmingham part always cost more than the rest of the journey! Virgin offer an excellent service, with fast trains and reasonable fares, and I feel that they will still be able to do this with a direct link from Telford."

Michael Bishop, of Shrewsbury: "I need to travel to London frequently and the present arrangements are very inconvenient and can be unreliable. A county town the size of Shrewsbury needs a direct link to facilitate commerce and tourism."

Tim O'Brien, of Shrewsbury: "A shorter journey without changing trains in the nightmare that is Birmingham New Street would encourage me and others to use the service more."

Rachel Pritchard, of Bucknall: "It would open up our region to so much business, tourism and enable people to commute from here. It's VITAL for the region."

Niall Gibbons, of Long Beach, California: "I grew up in Market Drayton and went to college in London. This rail link isn't just to let people in, it's also to allow Shropshire to participate with the rest of the country as it moves forward."

Peter Neale, of Much Wenlock: "We are tired of being the forgotten county."

Mr V Rainsford, of Telford: "Telford will need this direct connection to London when the Southwater and Town Centre developments are completed which it is hoped will bring more people into the centre of Telford not only to visit but to work or even live here. Telford is an ever-growing town and needs this connection to the capital city."

Alan Stone, of Shrewsbury said: "Having a direct link is much easier than changing in Birmingham with the risk of a missed connection or/and delay between trains. Arriving at Euston is so convenient for Eurostar."

Mrs M Burgwin, of Shrewsbury: "Being a pensioner I find it hard to change trains in Wolverhampton with luggage, I would use the train more often if it was direct to London."

Mrs E Johnson, of Wellington: "We need a proper rail service to London to support the regeneration of Wellington."

Ray Davids, of Bucknall: "I would very much like the service back. I hope Virgin will go ahead. The Government should pay towards it."

Arthur Gordon Wall, of Shrewsbury: "It's essential that there is a direct service for the benefit of businesses and also the general public which would in turn improve the economy."

M Welch, of Madeley, said: "In this modern age it is vital that 'easier' and 'direct' connections to the capital are reintroduced. Among numerous reasons are business and economical links in Telford locality, Shrewsbury and regions of Wales; ease of travel and related tourist issues and convenience; necessity of development of Telford International Centre; ease of visiting World Heritage Site – Ironbridge Gorge locality."

Anthony Coxill, of Market Drayton: "I am totally in favour of the direct rail service being resumed but also it must be used by the people signing up, or it will be like the Wrexham to London service which stopped because of lack of people using it."

Mr and Mrs Parry, of Oswestry: "We used to use the Wrexham train when it was running, fantastic to get on train in Gobowen and off in London. Made the journey a pleasure without having to change."

Mrs M A Bird, of Shrewsbury: "I think it is about time that the powers that be stop thinking of Shrewsbury as some little backwater of no importance, instead of a very vibrant county town."

Mrs A Durnall, of Telford: "As I go to London regularly and see the shows I feel very strongly that there should be a direct link down there, rather than the way I have to travel at the moment."

Bruce and Diana White, of Shrewsbury: "It is extremely important that this part of Shropshire has a direct link to London whether via Euston or Marylebone for business or tourism or even days out. A direct link would be so easy and avoid constant changes of train as is now the case."

Mr and Mrs M Goodwin, of Ellesmere: "Although a senior citizen of almost 80 so not travelling so much now, I originate from Surrey and welcome an easy and convenient link to the southern counties."

Lynda and Jim Hogger, of Telford: "The major financial commitments to the development and improvement of the town's business centre cry out for a commensurate railway system for reciprocal business and leisure travel."

Jane Bozian, of Wem: "Because of Shrewsbury's geographical position in the country it stands to reason that there should be a direct rail link."

Miss D A Watkiss, of Bridgnorth : "It will be very good for business in Shropshire and for tourists. It needs a very early train for business and a later train between 10am and 11am for other travellers."

  • To sign the petition, click here

  • See www.shropshirestar.com/rail

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