Latest news with #NetworkNorthWales
Leader Live
29-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
MS shares importance of towns across North East Wales
MS for Delyn Last week in the Senedd the Welsh Government announced a consultation on cutting business rates for smaller retail shops – a move that could benefit around 13,000 businesses across Wales. Shops with a rateable value under £51,000 would pay less – helping level the playing field with the growth of online retailers, which is great news for the smaller shops that are at the centre of many of our high streets and our communities. Larger properties may pay a little more, but vital public services like schools and hospitals will be protected from any increase. The consultation is open until August 12 – have your say at I've been talking about our high streets here in North East Wales a lot recently, following my visit to Cracked Coffee, the newest addition to Mold's high street. Our towns matter, they matter to me and they matter to many people – they are part of who we are and where we come from. That's why I not only support our town centres on a local level and how I live my own life, but why back in 2020 I set up the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns initiative – a programme and an approach to breathe new life into town centres across Wales. The scheme has seen investment in a number of town centres in our corner of the country and works in collaboration with local authority partners – Flintshire alone has been in receipt of £853,000 for projects to revamp town centres and previously received support to re-open Holywell high street. It was recently announced that the programme is to be extended with an extra £31.5m of funding for towns across Wales, which is great news. Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, the Welsh Government unveiled ambitious plans for Network North Wales, a 'metro'-style transport system linking the Dee and Mersey hubs and bringing together trains and buses into one timetable – the plan is a cross-border approach to transforming public transport in North Wales, including metro style services on the North Wales mainline and a new, direct rail link between Wrexham and Liverpool. Network North Wales is a hugely ambitious and transformative programme of work to better connect communities, with more rail and bus services, new stations, new transport routes, new trains, new buses and new technology. Transport is such an important issue for our communities so I'll be keeping a close eye on developments – the plan is that from next year, pay-as-you-go 'metro' services will start in North East Wales, much like they have in the south. It was great to recently welcome Senator Sue Lines, President of the Australian Senate, to the Senedd recently. We discussed my work as Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee and restoring trust and transparency in our political system and we also shared insights on the recent Australian elections and looked ahead to the next Senedd elections. There are lots of common challenges and opportunities to learn from each other and it's always great to share experiences with people from other nations. During Mental Health Awareness Week recently, the Welsh Government announced a new initiative in which every football club in Wales will be able to access one of nearly 1,000 mental health awareness training places. The e-learning course from Mind Cymru and UK Coaching will be delivered to football clubs with the support of the FAW and the courses will provide coaches with the knowledge and confidence to support people living with mental health problems. I've said many times before that looking after our mental health is important, but it's also vital that support is there for everyone if and when it's needed, so this is great for football clubs in our corner of North Wales. On the football theme, a new exhibition has opened in Mold Museum which celebrates the history of Mold Alexandra FC, one of the oldest football clubs in Wales, formed in 1929. I'm proud to be a club sponsor and I think the new exhibition will be interesting for anyone who loves sport in the town.
North Wales Chronicle
24-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Network North Wales to transform region's public transport
Network North Wales is a bold passenger-focussed programme of work to better connect communities, with more rail and bus services and greater integration. It aims to maximise opportunity and unlock the economic potential of North Wales and the cross-border region. Unveiled by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates, Network North Wales will see metro style train services on the North Wales mainline, the Marches line (Chester to Wrexham) and a new, direct rail link between Wrexham and Liverpool. Immediate changes are being delivered, with a raft of improvements planned for the next 12 months, three years and through to 2035. Longer term objectives include defining future targets for higher frequency services, reopening closed stations, creating new stations and exploring the role of new transport modes such as tram trains. Plans include: The Welsh Government has already committed an investment of over £13m to begin delivery immediately and will draw on other funding streams to make the vision a reality. Mr Skates 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." He added: '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. And delivery at an unprecedented pace." Councillor David A Bithell, deputy leader and lead member for strategic transport, said: "As a Network North Wales board member I welcome the announcement of more trains from Wrexham to Chester, better rolling stock, rebranding Wrexham to Liverpool and better and improved ticketing. "Modernised bus and rail network is key to improving accessibility for public transport."
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
The £2.1bn new train service that will ‘transform' the UK with metro service and direct city routes
RAIL ROAD The £2.1bn new train service that will 'transform' the UK with metro service and direct city routes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PLANS for a dynamic new passenger-focussed metro service have been unveiled. A London underground-inspired train service is set to unlock 'economic potential' and connect communities with the upcoming North Wales Metro. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Network North Wales is promising to deliver a better passenger experience Credit: Alamy Boasting frequent services, Network North Wales will see the train services on the North Wales mainline, the Chester to Wrexham Marches Line and a direct rail link between Wrexham and Liverpool. Ambitions include higher frequency services, reopening closed stations, the birth of new stations and new transport modes such as tram trains. The Welsh Government has committed more than £13m to make the bold transport changes. Cabinet Secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, explained: "We now have the best possible partnership in place to deliver Network North Wales. "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." He continued: "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.' Rail Minister Lord Hendy added: "We are determined to build a modern and integrated transport network across the whole of the UK, delivering our Plan for Change and driving economic growth by better connecting people to homes, jobs, education and business opportunities. "Through close collaboration between our two governments, we're demonstrating how we can deliver a stronger, more connected rail network that truly meets passengers' needs and transforms everyday journeys across Wales. Huddersfield Station Closure: £70 Million Revamp Set to Transform Travel "Our collaborative approach will extend to these exciting proposals, which represent a significant opportunity to transform connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for communities." Secretary of state for Wales Jo Stevens said: "Network North Wales is an exciting plan to deliver a better passenger experience across the region. "Economic growth is the number one mission of the UK Government and improving transport is vital to achieve that ambition. "Working in partnership with the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales we will connect people to a range of well-paid jobs across North Wales, thousands of which will be created by our Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone and our Freeport in Anglesey." The Welsh Government said immediate changes are in place, with ambitious plans to begin over the next 12 months and heading into 2035. Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences. Davos to Geneva, Switzerland "After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen "Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey London to Paris by Eurostar "Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what's so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won't have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail "From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton Beijing to Ulaanbatar "The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
The £2.1bn new train service that will ‘transform' the UK with metro service and direct city routes
PLANS for a dynamic new passenger-focussed metro service have been unveiled. A London underground-inspired train service is set to unlock 'economic potential' and connect communities with the upcoming North Wales Metro. 2 Network North Wales is promising to deliver a better passenger experience Credit: Alamy Boasting frequent services, Network North Wales will see the train services on the North Wales mainline, the Chester to Wrexham Marches Line and a direct rail link between Wrexham and Liverpool. Ambitions include higher frequency services, reopening closed stations, the birth of new stations and new transport modes such as tram trains. The Welsh Government has committed more than £13m to make the bold transport changes. Cabinet Secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, explained: "We now have the best possible partnership in place to deliver Network North Wales. Read more on Travel "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." He continued: "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.' Most read in News Travel Rail Minister Lord Hendy added: "We are determined to build a modern and integrated transport network across the whole of the UK, delivering our Plan for Change and driving economic growth by better connecting people to homes, jobs, education and business opportunities. "Through close collaboration between our two governments, we're demonstrating how we can deliver a stronger, more connected rail network that truly meets passengers' needs and transforms everyday journeys across Wales. Huddersfield Station Closure: £70 Million Revamp Set to Transform Travel "Our collaborative approach will extend to these exciting proposals, which represent a significant opportunity to transform connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for communities." Secretary of state for Wales Jo Stevens said: "Network North Wales is an exciting plan to deliver a better passenger experience across the region. "Economic growth is the number one mission of the UK Government and improving transport is vital to achieve that ambition. "Working in partnership with the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales we will connect people to a range of well-paid jobs across North Wales, thousands of which will be created by our Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone and our Freeport in Anglesey." The Welsh Government said immediate changes are in place, with ambitious plans to begin over the next 12 months and heading into 2035. Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences. Davos to Geneva, Switzerland "After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen "Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey London to Paris by Eurostar "Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what's so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won't have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail "From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton Beijing to Ulaanbatar "The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray 2 Plans are in place for a modern and integrated transport network
Business News Wales
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
North Wales Public Transport Plan Will 'Drive Economic Growth and Prosperity'
Plans to improve the public transport network across North Wales are an opportunity to 'drive economic growth and prosperity for all', the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates has said. The vision for an integrated, high-frequency public transport network for North Wales, with frequent metro services at its heart, was unveiled by the Cabinet Secretary at Wales' first ever Public Transport Summit in Wrexham. The Welsh Government said Network North Wales was a 'bold passenger-focused programme of work' to better connect communities, with more rail and bus services and greater integration. It aims to unlock the economic potential of North Wales and the cross-border region, it said. Network North Wales will see metro style train services on the North Wales mainline, the Marches line (Chester to Wrexham) and a new, direct rail link between Wrexham and Liverpool. Improvements are planned for the next 12 months, three years and through to 2035. Longer term objectives include defining future targets for higher frequency services, reopening closed stations, creating new stations and exploring the role of new transport modes such as tram trains. Plans include: Commencing work on the line between Wrexham and Liverpool as the crucial first phase of delivering metro services direct between the two cities. Doubling train services between Wrexham and Chester next May. Bringing forward the introduction of 50% more services across the North Wales mainline from December 2026 to next May – resulting in a new service from Llandudno to Liverpool and extending the Manchester Airport service to Holyhead in place of Llandudno. Upon completion of rail line works at Padeswood, increase train services between Wrexham and Bidston to 2 trains per hour within the next three years, ahead of the introduction of 4 trains per hour that will run direct between Wrexham and Liverpool by 2035. The existing Borderlands Line will also be renamed the Wrexham – Liverpool line. Key stations on the Wrexham – Liverpool line will be improved in the next 12 months. Trains operating on the Wrexham – Liverpool line will be wrapped to reflect the communities and football clubs they serve. Introducing Pay as You Go tap in tap out technology – covering connections between Gobowen and Rhyl, and along the full length of the Wrexham -Liverpool line Working with Network Rail to determine the feasibility of a rapid delivery of a new test railway station at Deeside Industrial Park, to gauge demand for permanent services to the park. A new, multi-million pound electrification innovation fund to develop a plan to decarbonise the railway in North Wales and enable more frequent metro services and additional stations Match funding for step-free access at Shotton and Ruabon stations. Working with local authorities to develop plans for Gateway multi-modal interchanges at Holyhead, Bangor, Caernarfon and Wrexham. A new T13 bus service – connecting Rhyl, Ruthin, Denbigh and Wrexham. Examining options to re-open stations and build new stations to serve employment growth areas. A new bus network specifically designed to link communities with industrial estates in the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone. The Welsh Government has already committed an investment of more than £13 million to begin delivery immediately and says it will draw on other funding streams to make the vision a reality. Ken Skates said: 'We now have the best possible partnership in place to deliver Network North Wales. '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 £800 million 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. And delivery at an unprecedented pace. 'This is a long term vision, which begins now with real changes. Including the roll out of Pay as You Go, – the tap on tap off deployment most of us only experience in London. Improved stations, increased services and an additional integrated bus service are all part of immediate changes over the next 12 months. 'It contains infrastructure priorities that have been agreed by UK and Welsh Governments, and re-confirms our long-held objective to electrify lines. 'This vision should outlast any single Minister, Government or economic and political circumstances. Working together, we'll deliver our ambitious plans that take us to 2035 and beyond.' Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: 'We are determined to build a modern and integrated transport network across the whole of the UK, delivering our Plan for Change and driving economic growth by better connecting people to homes, jobs, education and business opportunities. 'Through close collaboration between our two governments, we're demonstrating how we can deliver a stronger, more connected rail network that truly meets passengers' needs and transforms everyday journeys across Wales. 'Our collaborative approach will extend to these exciting proposals, which represent a significant opportunity to transform connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for communities.' The Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'Network North Wales is an exciting plan to deliver a better passenger experience across the region. Economic growth is the number one mission of the UK Government and improving transport is vital to achieve that ambition. 'Working in partnership with the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales we will connect people to a range of well-paid jobs across North Wales, thousands of which will be created by our Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone and our Freeport in Anglesey.'
