New London service praised by MP

The new direct train service linking Shrewsbury to London has been described as “deeply satisfying” by Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies following its launch yesterday (Monday).

The new Virgin Trains service into London Euston allows commuters and travellers from across Mid Wales to access frequent, direct services to the capital, as well as north to Blackpool.

The service is also further good news for those using public transport within Montgomeryshire, with an hourly service on the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury line being introduced from May 2015.

Mr Davies said: “It is deeply satisfying that all the campaigning that we have done over many years to bring better train services to Montgomeryshire is finally coming to fruition.

“The combination of the direct Shrewsbury-Euston trial service (starting today) and a new hourly service from Aberystwyth to Birmingham will transform rail connectivity for Montgomeryshire, and will be of huge benefit to the local economy.

“The direct link will allow much easier access to London for passengers across Mid Wales. The service has been a long time coming, and today finally marks the end of uncertainty in recent years for train users in Montgomeryshire.

“Virgin Trains have made a success of the West Coast Line since taking over the franchise in 1997, and I’ve no doubt that this new service will be hugely successful with passengers and commuters alike.”