Electrification Of Wrexham Rail Links Back On Track

The Welsh Government and Department of Transport are holding investigations into creating a business case for the electrification of lines in North Wales – including the Wrexham to Bidston line which is a 27 mile stretch!

Welsh transport minister Carl Sargeant and UK Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin had discussions in Whitehall to see if previous South Wales success stories could be mirrored in the north.

Local MP Ian Lucas has been calling for the electrification of the railway line between Wrexham and Bidston, on the Wirral. Electrification of the line would mean much improved journey times between Wrexham and Liverpool and Mr Lucas has joined with MPs from both Welsh and English constituencies to make the case for the line to be electrified.

Discussions about the line have already been held between Mr Lucas and the MerseyTravel rail company, as well as with MPs including Alyn and Deeside’s Mark Tami and Wirral South’s Alison McGovern.

Mr Lucas said “I am very pleased indeed that the electrification of these lines is being looked at.  This is a boost for Wrexham which I have been pushing hard for for many years, and have kept on the agenda of Ministers in Cardiff and London.

“I will be keeping a close eye on developments and am ready to help in any way I can.”

In June this year it was ruled out by MP Teresa Villiers saying that no action would occur before 2015 saying it could cost nearly £200 million.