Concerns have been raised regarding the railway service between Wrexham and Bidston.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport has voiced his concerns that despite promises for better rail links between Wrexham and Bidston red tape has now left the plans for 2 trains per hour up in the air.

The the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is arbitrating between Transport for Wales and a freight company in Penyffordd who runs trains over the railway line.

READ MORE: New roadworks announce on main road in Wrexham

Lead Member for Transport and Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr David A Bithell said, “It appears that the ORR are trying to resolve a dispute who has preference to run trains on the line which I find unbelievable and frustrating as promises were made that by May 2022 Wrexham would have two trains per hour.

“On one hand we are told that improvements on the A483 is being delayed for a roads review and now that freight trains have preference over passengers. We are also actively encouraged to promote and support using public transport and Active Travel schemes.”

READ MORE: Wrexham council confirm tax increase

Cllr Bithell added, “The rail network runs 24 hours and urged the ORR to find a solution with Transport for Wales and has asked local MPs to lobby UK Secretary of State Grant Shapps to intervene.

“I have also written to Lesley Griffiths MS and Sarah Atherton MP for Wrexham urging them to make representation.”

An Office of Rail and Road spokesperson said:

“We make sure both passenger and freight operating companies have fair access to the rail network 24/7 – and that best use is made of capacity. In this case, Network Rail has refused to agree access contracts for Transport for Wales and the freight operating company for additional services and both parties have appealed to ORR to help determine whether refusal was correct or if Network Rail should enter into an agreement with either party.

“We are currently undertaking this review and will make a decision in due course, but we know that all rail users in North Wales deserve to have this decision properly scrutinised in order to achieve the best outcome for everyone.”