£500k funding boost for local rail network welcomed by senior Wrexham councillor

News that £500,000 is to be invested in improving “important rail infrastructure” in Wrexham has been welcomed by a senior councillor.

Earlier this week Wrexham.com reported that Transport Minister Ken Skates had announced the funding boost, which is part of “clear ambition to see improvements for the benefit of rail users and this funding will ascertain what can be delivered for that exact purpose.”

The investment will allow the completion of development work to upgrade the Wrexham North Junction as a priority project.

This will create improved journey times from Wrexham General station going north, allowing trains to pass through the single line section up to Rossett more quickly, which will also contribute towards enabling increased frequency of services.

The money is also being used to look at a range of other improvements that will support increased services along the route. These include improvements to signalling and infrastructure as well as level crossings in the area.

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport said he welcomed the news.

He said: “We have lobbied for many years for improvements to the rail infrastructure which will benefit Wrexham. Better and faster services are essential including better connectivity in making Wrexham a key Transport hub.

“I welcome Transport for Wales as part of the new Wales franchise which fits in with the our aspirations for Rail services.”

In July 2018 Wrexham.com reported that “game changing plans” to develop a new transport and business hub to regenerate the area around the Wrexham General Station had been unveiled.

The new Transport and Business Hub will see the Welsh Government work alongside Wrexham Council, Wrexham Glyndwr University and Transport Wales to help regenerate the Wrexham General Station area.