Step forward for bid to run capital trains

A bid for direct trains through Shropshire from Wrexham to London took a big step forward today with an application to run the trains with effect from the summer 2007 timetable.

The Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway Company (Wrexham & Shropshire) has applied formally to the Office of Rail Regulator (ORR) to operate train services between London Marylebone and Wrexham General.

The application follows nine months of negotiations that have involved Network Rail and rolling stock suppliers as well as MPs, the Welsh Assembly Members and Government, local authorities, business and passenger groups. The formal application covers a range of issues that the ORR will consider in deciding whether or not the company will be allowed to operate five trains a day each way between Wrexham and London on weekdays, four on Saturdays and three on Sundays.

Wrexham & Shropshire Director John Nelson said: "Our submission makes it very clear that substantial economic benefits will be brought to the areas served by our trains."

The company believes that proving the economic and social benefits of the service is a crucial part of the case to be considered by the ORR and it has been encouraged by the support it has been receiving from communities up and down the line.

Mr Nelson added: "We have been overwhelmed by the scale and strength of support for our plans."

The ORR is expected to take several weeks to review Wrexham & Shropshire's proposals. Subject to a positive outcome, Wrexham & Shropshire will be in a position to agree contracts and begin recruiting staff immediately.