Mark Williams MP Calls for Direct Aberystwyth-London Train Service

Ceredigion's Welsh Lib Dem MP Mark Williams has re-iterated his call today for a direct train service between Aberystwyth and London.

It comes on the day that the Wrexham and Shropshire rail service to London closed. The service was reinstated in 2008 after a gap of 41 years, but has been scrapped by Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone Railway (WSMR) after a fall in customer numbers.

A direct Aberystwyth to London service was turned down last year by the Office of Rail Regulation because of the effect it would have on existing routes.

Mark Williams MP said:

“The Wrexham and Shropshire train provided an excellent service, and many of my constituents have benefited from the provision of a direct service to London from Shrewsbury.

“This highlights the need for a direct service to London from Mid Wales, which would be a huge boost to the area, and I hope Arriva Trains Wales will consider submitting a revised bid for a direct Aberystwyth to London service.

“For too long Mid Wales has been left isolated by the lack of rail services, and the demise of the Wrexham and Shropshire service is another blow.”

Mark is right and Arriva need to submit a revised bid for a direct service to properly re-connect Mid-Wales with London now that this route that passes through Shrewsbury has as of today, ceased to operate.

The last direct train from Aberystwyth to London was in 1991. It's been 20 long years and as students and tourists alike will testify, it's been sorely missed. It would be great for our local economy at this time to benefit from this service and as Arriva Trains want it also, the Office of Rail Regulation now need to re-consider and give us here in mid-Wales this extra, much needed life-line.