The Wrexham-to-London rail bid has undergone a significant transformation, with a renewed focus on public transport and infrastructure development. Julia Buckley, the MP for Shrewsbury, has been instrumental in driving this change, advocating for a new direct service between London and Wrexham. She believes that the recent takeover of the football club by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has sparked a new interest in Wrexham as a destination, and she hopes the 'Hollywood factor' will add some sparkle to the bid.
The new application, submitted by WSMR, proposes a reduced number of daily services, with the option of a fourth in the future. It also includes an additional stop at Wellington, Shropshire, aiming to connect towns and cities that aren't currently connected. Previous services were criticized for their long travel times, but the new service is expected to be quicker, taking around four hours from Wrexham to London.
Shropshire currently stands as the only county in England without a direct rail link to London, which could be detrimental to businesses and the county's growth. Carl Jones, a director of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, supports the bid, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure, including enhancements to Shrewsbury station. He envisions a redesigned station with a two-storey car park, a new area at the front, and better bus links, creating a plaza with fountains where people can relax and enjoy a panini and cappuccino.
Additionally, there's a proposal for a new parkway station to the east of Shrewsbury, which would provide easy access to roads in and out of the county town. Ian Baxter from rail company SLC is working on this plan, drawing from his experience with other parkway stations, such as Warwick Parkway and Worcester Parkway, which typically take between four and six years to materialize. With the anticipated construction of tens of thousands of new homes in the county, the demand for railway services is expected to increase significantly.
The bid has gained support from various sources, including Nick Millington, the Network Rail Route director for Wales and Borders, who acknowledges the growing area and the backing from the Welsh Assembly. Buckley expresses optimism about the increased support for infrastructure improvements, including the redesign of Shrewsbury station as part of a 10-year vision for the town. The question remains: will this bid finally bring Shropshire the direct rail link to London it deserves?
