Council News

24 September 2008

Wrexham responds to rail network consultation

Wrexham County Borough Council has welcomed the opportunity to comment on the recently released Network Rail draft Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) for Wales. The Council works closely with bordering local authorities and the regional transport consortium for North Wales as well as the Welsh Assembly Government to deliver improvements to rail facilities and in turn increase usage of rail services in the County Borough and wider region. It is this process that has helped introduce improved facilities at Wrexham General, Chirk and Ruabon stations in recent times.

The increase in rail usage at Wrexham General, Ruabon and Chirk stations has been above the UK average for the last few years. This has been helped by the increase in the number of services and the proactive work of the Local Rail Member Working Group, which has raised the profile of rail within the County Borough.

Wrexham Central, Wrexham General and Gwersyllt stations continue to benefit from an hourly service to Bidston which links to the Merseyrail electrics network for onward travel to Liverpool and other Wirral stations. On 28th April 2008 Wrexham & Shropshire commenced operation of 5 weekday return services calling at Wrexham General, Ruabon & Chirk stations which are proving popular to existing and new rail passengers.

Wrexham County Borough Council have partnered with other organisations to deliver feasibility studies on both the Wrexham - Bidston and Chester - Wrexham - Shrewsbury rail routes in recent times. These studies have in turn identified opportunities to improve rail capacity, the performance of the services and options to open or re-open stations within the County Borough. Both of these studies have been positively referred to in the draft RUS.

Lead Member for Environment and Transport, Cllr David Bithell said: "There are some positive changes to rail transport within the County Borough and a willingness between partners to improve rail services for passengers travelling to, from and through the County Borough. It is important that the Council continues to play a key role in shaping the future of rail travel to ensure that it remains an attractive destination for businesses, visitors and residents alike." Cllr Bithell added, "In December 2008 a new timetable will be introduced, proposals include a direct weekday service from Wrexham to London and return via Chester operated by Virgin Trains, improvements to existing Arriva Trains Wales services to serve Birmingham International for the Airport and NEC and reduced overall journey times of the Wrexham and Shropshire Railway service to London Marylebone."