Star Comment: Cautious optimism for trains
So here we are again, like the Grand Old Duke of York, standing up at the top of the hill.
That is how things have been for Shropshire campaigners who have been battling to restore the county's direct rail link to the capital. There have been so many peaks and troughs as hopes have been raised only to be dashed that the delight and excitement about the latest developments must be provisional and dependent on events.
But, just for a moment, let us let ourselves go and bask in what, on the face of things, appears to be very good news for the county's rail travellers, the tourism industry here, and business.
A potential timetable has been agreed for a new twice-daily direct rail service between Shropshire and the capital, to start in December. We have heard much the same in the past, but there is a difference which gives cause for the hope that this time it will not hit the buffers.
According to Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski, the parties involved have agreed in principle to the introduction of a daily service, subject to approval from the Office of Rail Regulation.
So they are at last singing from the same songsheet. It would be nice to think that approval from the ORR will be a formality. What could possibly go wrong?
Another key difference is that, at last, there is a timetable which is practical and realistic for the sort of people who will be wanting to use the direct service. The intention is that trains will leave Shrewsbury at 6.39am and 3.24pm daily, with returns at 10.23am and 6.23pm.
The off-peak times which were previously on the table were about as much use to business travellers as a chocolate teapot. These new times mean that Salopians will be able to leave early, spend a full day in London, and return in the evening.
These are train times which chime with common sense, both for business travellers and those popping down to London for a day out.
Establishing a direct link between Shropshire and London is not rocket science and these latest developments are positive and constructive. Salopians will be forgiven however for having that weary here-we-go-again feeling and the cynical will be waiting to see what the catch or snag is this time round.
The battle has been long and involved. Things do, though, seem to be moving in the right direction. Keep the faith.
