08.02.13
MPs push for Welsh rail connectivity
A debate on transport links across the England-Wales border was held in Westminster earlier this week, as MPs push for greater connectivity, faster services and electrification of the network.
Led by Mark Williams, the Liberal Democrat MP for Ceredigion, the debate focused on setbacks to the plans for an hourly train service between Aberystwyth and London, which have been pushed back to 2014-15 because the single track Cambrian Line is not ready for the service.
MPs stated that mid-Wales is being held back by a lack of transport connectivity and called for Government to respond urgently.
Transport minister Simon Burns said that he would meet with the Welsh Assembly minister for local government and communities, Carl Sargeant, to discuss the issues raised.
In particular, North Wales electrification will be considered “in due course”. The line from Bidston to Wrexham will not be electrified before 2015, as Network Rail suggests the business case does not offer value for money.
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