The Department for Transport has confirmed that Avanti West Coast, the rail franchise operator on the West Coast Mainline, will end the direct Shrewsbury to London service from June 2 this year.
Currently Shropshire is served by two direct to London services and from June commuters will need to change at either Wolverhampton or London to reach the capital. Under this change, services to London will depart from Birmingham New Street and return trains will terminate at Wolverhampton on weekdays and at Birmingham on weekends.
Shropshire Chamber, on behalf of the business community, is urging decision makers and stakeholders to reverse this decision and ensure that the county is serviced by at least one direct connection to the capital.
The Shrewsbury to London rail services provide a vital link between the county and the capital and discontinuation of this service risks isolating Shropshire businesses from the growth potential having a direct connection to the capital brings.
Ruth Ross, Chief Executive, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce said: “Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has long identified that one of the key barriers to growth in Shropshire is the lack of transport infrastructure both locally and nationally, which is fit for purpose in terms of both road and rail."
"The Chamber is therefore very concerned and believes that the cancelling of direct services between Shropshire and London is not only damaging to the local economy but also short sighted given the county’s recent success in being named as one of “10 Destinations to watch” globally by ABTA.”
“Businesses need fast, reliable and frequent direct services between Shropshire and London allowing them to make new connections, sell their goods and services and to showcase the great business community that we have here in Shropshire to both national and international audiences. The withdrawal of the direct rail service can only be detrimental to the ability of the Shropshire business community to generate economic growth for our region.”
The Chamber is keen to hear the views of all businesses on this issue and you can send your thoughts to our Policy team by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
