Excitement surrounds the proposal for a direct rail link between Wrexham and London, with the local MP expressing enthusiasm for the envisaged service.
Alstom, in collaboration with consultancy SLC Rail, unveiled plans for the Wrexham, Shropshire, and Midlands Railway (WSMR), aiming to establish an open-access operation connecting Wrexham General to London Euston.
The proposed service outlines five trains per day in each direction from Monday to Saturday, with an additional four services operating on Sundays. With an anticipated launch date as early as 2025, the project is expected to generate approximately 50 new jobs, primarily concentrated in North Wales and the Midlands.
In response to the announcement, the MP for Wrexham conveyed anticipation, stating, “I am thrilled that plans are advancing to deliver rail services that will enhance Wrexham’s connectivity to the Midlands and London.”
Expressing dissatisfaction with the existing rail options provided by Transport for Wales and Avanti, she asserted that the introduction of new services would offer customers greater choice and stimulate the city’s economy through increased investment, tourism, and job opportunities.
Wrexham, designated as one of the UK’s newest ‘Investment Zones’, stands to benefit significantly from enhanced connectivity, she highlighted. The proposed rail link is poised to align with the city’s growth trajectory, fostering opportunities and facilitating economic development.
“I am pleased to be involved in progressing plans for the Wrexham, Shropshire, and Midlands Railway,” she affirmed, underlining her commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to realise the project’s potential.
The prospect of improved rail connectivity has been met with widespread approval, with local businesses and commuters alike eagerly anticipating the positive impact of the proposed service. The introduction of the WSMR service signifies a significant step towards addressing longstanding connectivity challenges and unlocking economic opportunities for the region.
As plans for the Wrexham-London rail service progress, stakeholders remain optimistic about the transformative effects it will have on the local community and broader regional development. With the potential to redefine travel options and stimulate economic growth, the project heralds a new era of connectivity for Wrexham and its surrounding areas.