Shropshire tourism 'needs a direct rail link'

We all remember the slogan, even if we don't remember the advert. Let the train take the strain.

The idea was that whether it was for business or pleasure, near or far, travelling by train was the way to go.

But times have changed and the lack of a direct rail link between Shropshire and London means that, for many, taking the train has become something of a pain.

To get to the nation's capital one has to make the choice to change trains or drive to a station which does offer a direct service.

It is a situation which many feel is not good enough and is why the Shropshire Star –with the cross-party backing of the region's MPs – launched a petition calling on the Government and Network Rail to allow a direct link to be established. The petition has been signed by more than 1,700 people who say the service would be good for business and tourism, as well as making it easier to visit family members.

• Sign the petition here

Here were look at some of the reasons those who have signed the petition have given.

Richard Morris, from Shrewsbury, said: "I usually drive to Wolverhampton or Crewe, not because it's the better option but rather that the train service between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton is pathetic.

"I am sick and tired of the train service not running on time, the excuses range from drivers starting the service late because they were on a break or simply that the train is full and I cannot get on.

"I remember many times getting the train from Telford where I work to then make my way to London, many trains would come and go with the train manager of each opening one set of doors at a time saying that they would let people off but would not let more than one or two new passengers back on to the train for health and safety reasons.

"Things have not improved much as I was on the same train only last week, had to stand the entire way like on a tube train in London's rush hour.

"I am in full support of the idea, no more waiting in the rain and snow for the third or fourth train which might have capacity for me to squeeze on."

Shropshire commuters who do business in London are in no doubt about the benefits a direct service would bring.

Amanda Orrin from Shrewsbury said: "We need this service to better connect Shropshire with the capital and as a results stimulate business grow and enterprise in the region."

Keith Davies, also from Shrewsbury, added: "The rail link between Shrewsbury, Telford and London is vital the continued success of Shropshire business.

"Shropshire is not the backwater that Network Rail and the regulator think it is. How would these organisations react if one of south eastern towns decided to close its railway stations and move all its resources into to road transport?

"The answer is that they would immediately be lobbying the Government for its reinstatement as its revenue stream would be severely disrupted.

"Shropshire, I believe, is seen as a soft touch when it comes to controversial decisions. MPs, councillors, businesses and individuals must all fight the monster Network Rail, which has overstep the mark when it comes to rejecting Shropshire's link to London."

Former councillor Tony Durnell from Shrewsbury said: "As a past mayor of Shrewsbury I know how important a direct rail link with our capital city is to our tourism and even more important for our current businesses, to attract more investment and work for our residents.

"This is not just a plain want or a wish, but a serious need for our county town and Shropshire."

Many who have signed the petition say it will boost tourism both by bringing people to Shropshire and by making it easier to get to the capital.

Katie Foster from Lilleshall is the chairman of the Shropshire and Telford Tourism Strategy Board.

She said: "I chair the tourism partnership for Shropshire/Telford as well as being on the Shropshire Business Board and it is vital to have direct rail service for both business as well as the leisure tourism industry.

"To get a travel writer out of London is hard enough but without direct service even worse.

"Businesses and individuals are massively disadvantaged without it."

Jane McIntyre from Shrewsbury added: "I travel to London frequently to see family and for work and leisure. I'm tired of driving an hour to Stafford for a direct link."

Others want the direct link simply to make it easier for them to visit their loved ones.

Sue Ratcliffe from Ironbridge said: "Important to me personally because my son lives in London and this would enable me to visit him more easily. I also think that a direct rail link would help tourism and businesses in Shropshire."

Joy Francis from Telford said: "I have family in London so like to visit a lot. Having to change trains at either Wolverhampton or Birmingham is quite stressful as if my train arrives late, I often miss the connection."

And Karen Tong, also from Telford, added: "My son is at college in London and he travels home at weekends and holidays. We travel to see him, also. I am disabled and it's difficult making lots of changes on trains."

According to many, the direct link would benefit Mid Wales as much as it would the people of Shropshire.

Ryan Gough from Aberystwyth said: "This would enable better onward connections for passengers along the Cambrian Coast Line to Machynlleth, Aberystwyth and Pwllheli. The Mid Wales region is currently very poorly connected by road or rail."

Jon Freeman, also from Aberystwyth, said: "This doesn't just bring a direct link to Shropshire, this would bring vastly improved access to and from Mid Wales and beyond."

And Jo Haward said: "We live in Machynlleth and direct connection would increase our ability to work from here, let alone the bonus of tourism etc."

The petition has also attracted international attention.

Kate Sours from Chicago said: "Shrewsbury is my home town. Although I currently live in Chicago I come home every six months and always travel down to London for work and pleasure.

"I worry about losing luggage whilst rushing to make my connecting train. The direct service was wonderful, easy and stress free – please bring it back."

And Darryl Keller from Cleveland said: "On my last trip to Shropshire, my wife and I wanted to spend a couple days in London. It would be so much more convenient if we could have done so with a direct rail.

"I would imagine many from London would like to spend some time in beautiful Shropshire – if it were easier to get there."

• Sign the petition here