Union backs campaign to save under threat Shropshire rail service
Transport union RMT has thrown its backing behind a campaign to protect under threat rail services running through Shropshire.
The union is supporting efforts by the Shrewsbury to Chester Rail Users Association (SCRUA) to save two services which run between Birmingham and Wrexham.
Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski has also pledged to raise the future of the 7am service from Shrewsbury to Wrexham and the 7.47am service departing Wrexham for Birmingham with operator Arriva Trains Wales at a meeting tomorrow.
A campaign was launched by the rail users' group in September amid claims the two services were under threat and a petition is being circulated.
But officials at Arriva have insisted the May 2015 timetable has not been finalised.
The 7.47am from Wrexham calls at Ruabon, Chirk, Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Wellington and Telford Central.
SCRUA said it provides an important direct service for commuters and students from north east Wales to the West Midlands and Birmingham Airport.
Passengers from north Wales and Shropshire would have to change at Shrewsbury to travel to Birmingham if the change is implemented.
It is now being proposed the Holyhead to Cardiff 'Premier' express service, which currently runs non-stop between Wrexham and Shrewsbury, would stop additionally at Ruabon, Chirk and Gobowen.
But the service runs 15 minutes earlier than the current train and the association said passengers for the Birmingham line would face inconvenience and delay to their journeys through having to change to Shrewsbury.
Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: "RMT stands shoulder to shoulder with the SCRUA users group in their fight to save services that are currently threatened by Arriva Trains Wales and we are calling on the company to back off.
"The train company needs to listen to the rail users and the staff and pull back from these ill-conceived plans."
Mr Kawczynski said he was meeting rail bosses about improving the state of Shrewsbury railway station, but would raise the issue of potential cuts to services.
He said: "I am hosting a meeting on Thursday in my office between Arriva Trains, Network Rail and other bodies to look at the car parking at the station.
I am dissatisfied with the parking provision at Shrewsbury station. I will be asking Arriva Trains Wales about the possible cuts to the service and question their logic."
