Two Rail Services Saved Including Wrexham Birmingham Link

Two popular local train services are set to be retained after fears they could be axed.

Reports had circulated suggesting the 0700 Shrewsbury to Wrexham service and the 0747 Wrexham to Birmingham International via Shrewsbury could be axed from Arriva Trains Wales’ upcoming timetable.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment welcomed the news yesterday that Arriva Trains Wales has reinstated the threatened 0700 Shrewsbury to Wrexham Service and the 07.47 Wrexham General to Birmingham International Service on the May 2015 timetable.

“I have received confirmation via a letter from the Welsh Government Minister for Transport to Assembly Member Aled Roberts that the services are to continue from May.

“I am very pleased that common sense has prevailed on this matter. These are valuable and well used services which received considerable political and public support when the proposed withdrawals were put under threat.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in ensuring these service were not withdrawn.

Local AM Ms Griffiths also received a letter from Welsh Government Transport Minister Edwina Hart AM confirming both services will be retained as part of the May 2015 timetable.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “Many constituents and local stakeholders contacted me over this issue as both services provide vital commuter rail links between Wrexham and Birmingham.”

“I made representations on their behalf to the Welsh Government and I am pleased officials intervened and have worked with Arriva Trains Wales to ensure these services remain in the updated timetable.”