Discrimination against North Wales mustn't jeopardise WSMR rail link

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English

Eleanor Burnham <info@eburnham.org.uk>

Discrimination against North Wales mustn't jeopardise WSMR rail link - Eleanor Burnham

March 2, 2007 4:43 PM

Eleanor Burnham AM has urged the Office of the Rail Regulator not to allow discrimination against parts of North Wales to ruin the chances for a new direct Wrexham - London rail service being proposed by the WSMR company.

Since the WSMR submitted its initial bid for a direct service from North Wales to London Marylebone, the ORR has received opposition to the plans from existing operators in and around the west Midlands, who fear the loss of their passengers and revenue to the new service.

However, in a letter to the ORR Ms Burnham has demanded that the existing infrastructure and rail services offered in and around the Birmingham area should not be allowed to jeopardise improving services for the Wrexham and North East Wales region.

Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, said: "The issue for the WSMR's new application, revised as a result of the pressure from other rail operators, is that fairness be applied to any considerations that will have a direct impact on Welsh rail passengers and communities in the North East.

"As I stated in my original letter of support for the WSMR franchise, the key benefits of this new link to London would be the social inclusion of many more communities in North East Wales, plus the considerable economic benefits the service would bring to Wrexham and the area.

"Other rail franchises in and around Birmingham currently receive subsidies and support from the UK Department of Transport, but this does not mean they should be given free reign and priority over improving service in other areas, particularly North East Wales and Shropshire.

"WSMR have already revised their application for the service by removing stops at Wolverhampton in favour of Tame Bridge Parkway in response to pressure from other rail operators. This should not have a negative impact on the provision of a direct service.

"What is most important now is that the new WSMR bid is considered on equal terms to other operators' services, without bias or outside pressure, so that North East Wales does not miss on a fantastic opportunity for economic and social regeneration."

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