Shropshire rail link to London 'will benefit towns'
A direct rail link between Shropshire and London would greatly improve a Shropshire town's economy, its leaders said today.
Wellington councillor Mike Ion said towns with the direct services would see a financial boost.
The Shropshire Star has launched a petition calling for a direct link to be established between the county and London. Virgin Trains wants to create direct services that would link the capital's Euston Station with Telford, Shrewsbury and Wellington.
It is being blocked by the Office of Rail Regulation, which says it fears the west coast main line would not be able to cope with the extra services.
MPs in the region have backed the campaign and will take the petition with them when they take part in talks with ORR officials next month.
To sign the petition, click here
Shropshire Star petition for direct rail link to London
Councillor Ion said: "I believe strongly that restoring the Wellington to London direct rail link would have significant benefits for Wellington and its local economy."
He said a recent study by academics at the London School of Economics has shown that towns connected to a direct link rail saw their GDP rise by at least 2.7 per cent compared to neighbours who are not on the route.
He said: "Local residents can tap into higher wages and new employment opportunities that open up.
"Wellington is one of Shropshire's major train stations; it is inconceivable that a planned direct rail service to the capital would not include a pick-up and drop-off at the town's station."
His sentiments were today echoed by members of Wellington Town Council.
Councillor Pat McCarthy added: "Of course, we like to have the service provision and it would be good for businesses and therefore for the town as a whole. What I am concerned about is that the scheme wasn't previously economically viable, so I'm just hoping that the plans on the table will be suitable to be put into place. If it does work it could be a real benefit to the local economy."
Wellington was formerly one of the stations included on the Shropshire to London Marylebone rail link, which closed in January 2011 after operating for less than three years. The new service would be on the west coast main line and therefore be quicker.
Passenger numbers at Wellington have increased significantly in the past five years, rising to more than 500,000 passenger changes in 2011 to 2012.
Since the start of this week, more than 1,800 people have signed a Shropshire Star petition calling for a direct rail link between the county and London.
