Andrew Ranger MP shares update on transport in North Wales
MP for Wrexham
In the House of Commons last week, I asked the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander for her assessment of the adequacy of the performance of rail services operating from North Wales.
Her response was,
'Despite recent improvements, the performance of Avanti West Coast services in North Wales is still not good enough.
"Poor Network Rail infrastructure reliability also remains an issue. North Wales and its surrounding regions have such huge potential, and so I'm actively engaged with the Welsh Government on plans to create a transport system that meets the needs of all our communities and delivers economic growth.'
There is acknowledgement by the UK Government that Wales has been underfunded in terms of rail infrastructure for decades.
It will take time to reset this.
We await the decision by Network Rail and the Office for Road and Rail about the reinstatement of a frequent direct service from Wrexham to London via Shrewsbury.
I am working with other MPs to support this bid which has tangible economic benefits for the communities along the route.
We recently wrote to Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, to endorse WSMR's (Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway) application.
Furthermore, the spending review next month should bring news of the Wrexham to Bidston Line as well as the North Wales mainline across to Holyhead.
I have consistently argued for the importance of these projects at Welsh Affairs Select Committee and in the Commons Chamber.
Transport connectivity is vital to economic growth as I outlined during the election campaign last year.
Our connection with the North-West of England therefore means any decisions regarding Crewe and Liverpool for example, will have a direct impact on Wrexham.
I view transport as opportunity and improvements to rail have been a particular focus for me since I was elected.
Transport is essential for tourism, something which we are experiencing a significant increase in here in Wrexham.
It also enables access to employment and access to education which leads to prosperity of our area but also a knock-on effect to the rest of North Wales and into North West England.
Along with a number of other stakeholders, I will be attending the Transport for Wales Public Transport Summit in Wrexham later this week.
It brings together transport and business leaders from Wales and England to explore how economic prosperity can be supported by improvements to public transport.
As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or Andrew.Ranger.mp@parliament.uk
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