Plans to launch a major new rail route linking Shropshire to London have been rejected - news described by Shropshire Chamber as a big disappoimtment

Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway Company Limited was seeking track access contracts with Network Rail to run services on the West Coast Main Line (WCML), running from Wrexham to London Euston.

It would have given Shropshire its first direct rail link to the capital since Avanti West Coast scrapped its services last year, with stops in Gobowen, Shrewsbury and Telford.

But today it emerged that the company had had its application turned down by the regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ruth Ross said: “This is such a big disappointment. I have already written to the Telford and Shrewsbury MPs offering our support putting together a revised plan.

“We have long identified that one of the key barriers to growth in Shropshire is the lack of transport infrastructure which is fit for purpose in terms of both road and rail.

"The Chamber is therefore very concerned that this news is not only damaging to the local economy but also short sighted given the county’s 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 lack of a direct rail service can only be detrimental to the ability of the Shropshire business community to generate economic growth for our region.”

Shropshire Chamber views a direct London rail service as a vital link between the county and the capital – and believes the lack of a service risks isolating county businesses from the growth potential which having a direct connection to the capital brings.