MP raises train services issue (From Tivyside Advertiser)

MP raises train services issue

9:25am Thursday 19th January 2012 in News

Ceredigion MP Mark Williams has raised the issue of train services from Aberystwyth with the Wales Office at Welsh Questions.

Mr Williams questioned the Minister, David Jones MP, in the House of Commons this morning which comes in the wake of the announcement by the Assembly Government before Christmas that their plans for an hourly train service between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth will now be delayed by up to three years, and following continuing calls for a direct Aberystwyth to London service.

Commenting Mark Williams said: “As a regular rail user, it is frustrating to hear of further delays to these plans. It is wholly reasonable for the Shrewsbury to Aber line to have an hourly train service, not least after the capital expenditure to date. We need action sooner rather than later on this or mid-Wales could be left behind. It is critical for the local economy, and has received huge support locally.

“I hope the Government in Cardiff do all they can to ensure an hourly service is established as quickly as possible, and I have written to the Minister for Transport at the Assembly about this.”

On the issue of the Aberystwyth to London service, Mr Williams will continue to urge Arriva Trains Wales to resubmit a bid to run this route.