Review call as work scuppers Ludlow Food Festival trains

A Shropshire MP today called for a review into how Network Rail sanctions major engineering work after the cancellation of trains to Ludlow during the town's annual Food and Drink Festival.

Organisers fear replacement buses on September 10 and 11 will be unable to cope with thousands of visitors expected at one of Britain's biggest food events.

Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski today called for a review while Ludlow MP Philip Dunne is calling on Network Rail to ensure it does not happen again next year.

Mr Kawczynski said: "Clearly we want to be encouraging people to go by train, but yet again Network Rail are not taking important local events into consideration.

"There needs to be a review into how Network Rail are implementing these things."

Rail passengers must use replacement buses on both days when travelling between Hereford and Shrewsbury and also between Broome, near Craven Arms, and Shrewsbury. The work will also affect every train on the same stretch on September 3 and 4.

Mr Dunne said "I contacted Network Rail last month to explain the significance of access by public transport to Ludlow during the Food Festival when over 20,000 visitors enjoy Ludlow Food Festival.

"Regrettably they claimed it was too late to reschedule essential engineering works which were planned in agreement with the train operator up to 12 months ago.

"I have urged Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales to lay on appropriate coach cover and se- ek next year to schedule works for other we- ekends that do not clash with the festival."

Network Rail has apologised for the inconvenience, but said the work was planned for up three years and was vital to renew ageing sections of track. Media relations manager Mavis Choong added: "It is a major improvement programme."