Calls to Improve Rail Links to Manchester Airport For Wrexham Passengers

The growing success of one of the region’s main airports will require a public transport infrastructure fit for the 21st century.

That is the message from Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, who has been campaigning for better rail links to the airport and who met with airport staff in Manchester last week to discuss those links, the £1 billion transformation programme at the airport – and how North Wales residents can benefit from both.

During the meeting, Mr Lucas heard how a major private investment at the airport will transform the way it operates in the coming decade – and how passenger numbers are expected to grow as a result.

He discussed the proposals for new rail paths into the airport – which he raised with Prime Minister David Cameron earlier this month – and how groups such as the Mersey-Dee North Wales All Party Parliamentary group can help make the case for better links to airports such as Manchester.

Mr Lucas said: “Manchester Airport is growing – fast. More than a hundred and fifty thousand flights each year already start from Wrexham alone – more than the population of the county borough. As the new investment comes online in the coming years, those numbers will grow substantially.

“What Governments in both the UK and Wales need to recognise is that airports like Manchester are very important for our region’s economy, and they need a strong transport infrastructure in place to help make sure we get the best possible results from their investment.

“I will be writing to the Prime Minister to follow up on the specific case I raised with him about rail links between North Wales and the airport – transport links which could be put in place very soon but which, at present, his Government is holding back.

“Following today’s meeting, I will also be working with staff from Manchester Airport to help put them in touch with North Wales businesses and business groups so they can work together on a real growth plan which will benefit both the Airport –and North Wales.”