Electric power for Shropshire rail link back on the agenda

A Local Enterprise Partnership today published its HS2 Growth Strategy, outlining its plans for the key projects which could help the region to make the most of the multi-billion pound project.

One of the key issues raised by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull document suggests the electrification of the Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury railway route, which also passes through Cosford, Shifnal and Telford.

That would potentially lead to more direct trains to London, which currently stop at Wolverhampton or Birmingham because they can't progress on the current tracks, and an improvement in speeds.

However, the plan would still depend on the Government throwing its backing behind the £3.3 billion strategy document, which would also create 52,000 jobs, extend the Midland Metro line and run super-fast electric buses to the Black Country.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Sheehan said he supported the principle set out in the document, and that it would require co-operation with the county's own local enterprise partnership, the Marches LEP. He said: "We would encourage that kind of collaborative working which would be to the benefit of both areas.

"It would be a large, expensive infrastructure project that would need endorsement from all interested parties to get off the ground."

Conventional

He added: "It would make us more complete in terms of infrastructure, and is said to be quicker than the conventional diesel units currently available – it's also fair to say any future train developments would also go down the electric route, and if we are to capitalise on the latest equipment and technology then that is important."

The issue of the electrification of the line was brought up with Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin by Telford MP Lucy Allan earlier this month.

Mr McLoughlin said: "The Government is already working with partners in the Midlands, considering the plans in detail and how they can be turned into action.

"It is absolutely fantastic to see people in the Midlands gearing up to take full advantage of HS2 and the jobs, skills and growth it will bring. This strategy illustrates how HS2 can re-balance our country's economy and why it is such a vital part of our long-term economic plan."

Ms Allan said: "I welcome more capacity on the railways and increased investment in infrastructure."