Regulator blocks Wrexham-London route
Plans halted over congestion fears
Plans for a direct rail link between Wrexham and London have been rejected by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), following concerns raised by Network Rail over congestion and safety.
Bypassing Birmingham with new stops
The proposed service, backed by Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR), aimed to run five daily trains using former freight lines and bypassing Birmingham.
The route would have connected Wrexham General to London Euston, stopping at towns including Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton, and Milton Keynes.
Safety and performance concerns raised
However, Network Rail said the West Coast Main Line (WCML) lacked capacity for additional services, and increased use could elevate collision risks at level crossings.
The ORR agreed, warning of potential “serious negative impact” on punctuality and performance across the network.
Local MP pledges to continue fight
Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley, a long-time campaigner for improved rail access, called the decision “incredibly disappointing,” but confirmed she would work with transport firm Alstom to submit a revised bid.
She emphasised the economic potential of the route, highlighting benefits for jobs, business, and regional connectivity.
Wrexham’s rail history revisited
Direct rail services from Wrexham to London were last operated regularly between 2008 and 2011 before being scrapped due to low passenger numbers. A limited service returned in 2014 but ended in 2023.No end to campaign in sight
Buckley vowed the campaign would continue: “This is a setback, but we’re not giving up.”.
