New Llandudno to Liverpool train service welcomed by MS
Ms Finch-Saunders said: "Llandudno is one of the United Kingdom's leading tourist destinations, seeing around 10 million visitors annually.
"People travel here from all over the world, but we do owe a particular thanks to residents of North West England.
"To help ensure that more can travel via public transport to Llandudno, it is common sense to increase the number of direct rail destinations, such as by adding Liverpool.
"This will also be of major benefit to constituents who currently have to change in Chester if they want to go shopping in the so-called capital of North Wales.
"I am delighted that my campaign has helped secure a direct connection to the regional capital."
The news comes after the Welsh Government confirmed plans to create a high-frequency public transport network for North Wales.
Improvements are planned over the next year, the next three years and up to 2035.
The news was announced at the first-ever Public Transport Summit in Wrexham last week by Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates.
He said: "UK Government, local government, Transport for Wales and English local authorities are working with us to deliver this bold programme of work to better connect communities, with more rail and bus services and greater integration, new stations, new transport routes, new trains, new buses, new technology.
"A network of public transport services that will include cross-border turn-up and go bus and rail services, extending the Northern Arc from Hull to Holyhead.
"With unprecedented partnership across governments, across borders and across the north, we have the opportunity to turn dreams into reality, to deliver on an enduring vision for what our a public transport network should look like.
"Most importantly, we have an opportunity to deliver the principal purpose of public transport - to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.
"We have already delivered significantly for South Wales with the South Wales Metro.
"Building on the £800m investment in new trains, the majority of which are already serving the North Wales region, now is the right time for North Wales to get the same level of ambition.
"More services. More new trains. A better railway for North Wales."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
5 minutes ago
- The Independent
Large drop in number of pupils studying Welsh at A-level since 2005, data shows
There has been a dramatic drop in the number of pupils studying Welsh at A-level, with almost a third fewer taking the subject than two decades ago. More than 500 fewer students studied Welsh to a high level this year than in 2005, the latest data shows. The drop has come despite the Welsh Government having set a target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050. Around 538,000 people can speak the language in Wales. Data examined by the PA news agency shows some 372 students took Welsh as a first or second language at A-level this year, down from 927 in 2005. The lowest year on record was 2023, when just 353 pupils took the subject. This year has been the lowest year for people taking Welsh as a first language, with 185 entries, compared with 260 in 2020. Some 187 pupils took the subject as a second language, with 209 having taken it in 2020. Efa Gruffudd Jones, the Welsh Language Commissioner – an officer appointed by the Welsh Government to oversee an independent body aiming to promote the use of the Welsh language – described the drop as a 'matter of concern'. Speaking to PA, Ms Gruffudd Jones said she supported calls from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (Welsh National College) for Welsh to become a protected subject. She said: '(This would) make sure that every educational institution post-16 offers the course. 'What I hear from people who get in touch with my office, if only you know three or four people want to study it, then schools don't offer the subject at all. 'I believe they need 12 before they decide to run the course. I don't think that's right. 'I think it should be offered at every educational institution post-16.' Ms Gruffudd Jones also said the qualification itself is under review, and the content needs to be made more attractive and relevant to students. She added: 'The other thing is that you can study many more courses through the medium of Welsh now than you used to be able to. 'You can study psychology, criminology, etc, through the medium of Welsh. 'Maybe people in the past who would have wanted to study through the medium of Welsh chose Welsh, but now they have a wider range of choice.' The commissioner stressed that Welsh is not the only language to have seen a decline, with many European languages having seen a drop across the UK. Total entries for French, German, and Spanish were down by 20% from 443 to 352 in Wales this year, with Ruth Cocks, director of British Council Wales, describing the drop in interest in international languages as a 'concerning story'. Ms Gruffudd Jones said the reason for the move away from studying languages was unclear, but may be due to pupils being encouraged to study more Stem subjects. 'I understand that we need people with technical ability, but I would argue that you also need linguistic ability in order to communicate with people in workplaces, to articulate yourself well in future,' she said. 'I would argue that literature gives you some insight into the world. 'I don't think really that it should be either or. 'What's important is that it doesn't go any lower, and we continue to make efforts to attract people to learn Welsh to a high standard.' The Welsh Government's aim to have one million Welsh speakers by 2050 was first set out in 2017. Earlier this year, a new five-year plan was unveiled by the commissioner to help achieve the goal. And the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill, which aims to close the gap in Welsh speaking ability among pupils from different schools, passed in the Senedd. Figures from the 2021 census showed a decline in the number of people who can speak Welsh compared with a decade earlier. Around 538,000 people in Wales – roughly 17% of the population – said they could speak Welsh, compared with 562,000 in 2011, around 19% of the population. Recent years have seen Welsh place names take prominence over English as the default, with Eryri replacing Snowdonia on official communications from the national park authority. In response to the decline in A-level entries, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: 'We would like more learners to take Welsh as a subject. 'A consultation is taking place to look at creating new Welsh AS and A-levels, making them engaging and attractive to learners. 'We see the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025 as a means to provide more children and young people with access to the language within the education sector than ever before. 'We want all young people to leave school with better Welsh skills, regardless of whether they do A-level Welsh or not.'
Daily Record
5 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Small Scottish Highland village on banks of iconic loch that is stuff of legends
The small village lies at the heart of the Great Glen, flanked by Glen Urquhart and Glenmoriston, and provides an ideal base for discovering the Highlands. A small Highland village, offers visitors a rare combination of stunning scenery, rich heritage, and unique attractions, making it a top destination in Scotland despite its modest population of just over 1,100 residents. While many recognise Drumnadrochit for its connection to the Loch Ness Monster, there is much more to explore in this picturesque corner of the Highlands. The village lies at the heart of the Great Glen, flanked by Glen Urquhart and Glenmoriston, and provides an ideal base for discovering the Highlands, Express reports. Visit Scotland highlights the area's appeal, noting a wide range of activities including exploring the iconic Urquhart Castle, horse riding, cycling, cruising Loch Ness, and fishing. The loch itself, Scotland's largest, draws thousands of tourists each year hoping to glimpse the legendary Nessie. For those seeking more than the legend, Nessieland offers a hands-on insight into the myths surrounding the monster. Visitors can watch documentaries on historical sightings, explore the Nessie caves, enjoy an adventure playground, and take cruises along the loch, making it a family-friendly highlight of any trip to the area. Urquhart Castle is another cornerstone of Drumnadrochit's appeal. Set against dramatic Highland scenery, the fortress has witnessed some of Scotland's most significant historical events. The castle saw intense military action from the 1200s until its decline in 1692. It fell to Edward I of England, known as the 'Hammer of the Scots,' in 1296 before being reclaimed by Scottish forces, only to be lost again to the English. Today, the castle stands as a romantic ruin overlooking Loch Ness, drawing visitors eager to explore its storied past. The castle's popularity is reflected in its TripAdvisor rating of 4.3 out of five. One visitor wrote: 'I came to Loch Ness for Urquhart Castle. "The place transcends words, and inspires paintings. It's so gothic and romantic, I loved the fact that it overlooks the deepest part of the loch and called out to Nessie from the beach next to the castle. The best views up close is definitely to be had on castle grounds.' Another reviewer praised the castle's accessibility and scenic surroundings, saying: 'The magnificent Urquhart Castle is on the shore of Loch Ness and a beautiful and short drive from Inverness. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "We left Inverness around 9am and had a very pleasant drive to Urquhart Castle stopping once at a popular viewing point to see the Loch Ness.' A third visitor added: 'The Urquhart Castle was a great experience! We spent around an hour and a half there and we were lucky enough to get great sunny weather so we weren't too cold and got great photos! "We really appreciated that we didn't need to go on an organised tour and we could just go through at our own pace and read all the information. "The castle isn't very big so you can really see everything they have there pretty quickly and see the amazing views. Our experience was probably made better by lucky weather but we would go back again for a peaceful walk.'
Daily Record
5 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Ian Blackford rules out running for Holyrood next year after Kate Forbes quits
The former SNP Westminster leader had been encouraged to stand in place of Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes. Ian Blackford has ruled out running for Holyrood next year. The former SNP Westminster leader had been encouraged to stand in place of Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes. Forbes announced last week she would be standing down as MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. Blackford represented the overlapping Ross, Skye and Lochaber seat in the Commons between 2015 and 2024. But the 64-year-old said he would not be standing in 2026 despite giving it "careful consideration". He said: 'With Kate Forbes having announced she would not be contesting the seat of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch at the Scottish Parliament in 2026, I have received many promptings to potentially represent the SNP in the election next year. 'I am very grateful to all those who have encouraged me to step forward for the 2026 election. I was particularly minded that many of those prompting me were those I have campaigned with for many years - people I have the highest respect for and who I hold very dearly. 'It was out of a deep respect to all of these people that, although I had previously stated that I would not stand for the Scottish Parliament, I decided to give due consideration to those requests. I am honoured to have been asked and I do not take lightly the responsibility that they all encouraged me to take on. 'Having reflected carefully I have concluded that I will not present my name as a potential candidate for the 2026 election. 'In coming to this decision there are many things that I have reflected on. I do believe that I am still of an age that I can serve my party and my country. 'I joined the SNP as a teenager in the 1970s and I see the journey to independence as being very much unfinished business. I will support the SNP and its leader, my old friend and colleague John Swinney, to the full." He said he may run in the future: 'Working with others I do want to participate in that debate on our future and perhaps, in the time ahead, there may be future opportunities to return to front line politics. 'On this occasion though - after careful consideration – I will not be putting my name forward for next year's Scottish parliament elections. The opportunity and the privilege of seeking to represent this Highland's seat at the Scottish Parliament will fall to another and we are fortunate to have a range of capable candidates in the SNP. 'Whomever my party chooses, they will have my full support in what I am confident will be a successful election for the SNP under the leadership of John Swinney.' Blackford became the SNP's group leader in the Commons in 2017 following Angus Robertson's defeat in that year's general election. He held that post for five years but stepped aside in December 2022 as he was facing a challenge from current leader Stephen Flynn. He previously faced criticism for his handling of complaints of sexual harassment by a party staffer against SNP MP Patrick Grady. A Commons investigation handed Grady a two-day suspension from parliament last year after finding he had made the advances to the then 19-year-old man in 2016.
