Watch: Lucy Allan MP calls for more Telford to Birmingham trains
Telford MP Lucay Allan has called for more rail services to run between Telford and Birmingham.
It comes as the Government holds consultation with the public to find out what they want from the future of the railway.
Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin has pledged to work with Telford MP Lucy Allan to improve connections between the two stations.
Ms Allan asked the secretary of state what his department was doing to increase the number of trains between Telford and Birmingham during a debate in the House of Commons.
Mr McLoughlin told Mrs Allan that currently, the Rail Executive was canvassing for views on the future of the West Midlands rail franchise after October 2017, when London Midland's franchise ends. A process is under way to choose a new rail company to manage the line, which controls services from Shrewsbury into the Black Country.
Currently it runs 1,300 services every weekday and serves 170 stations. It is hoped the rail users will share their views on the future of the railway, he said.
In reply, Ms Allan said: "I thank the Secretary of State for his reply, for which my constituents will be grateful. Telford is a rapidly growing new town that is 26 miles from Birmingham, yet it takes 51 minutes to get there.
"Will he continue to work with me to ensure that we have a 21st century rail system for Telford?"
Mr McLoughlin said: "I most certainly will. I recognise the growing importance of connectivity between cities."
