A NORTH Wales MS has highlighted concerns from residents about the “incompetence” of current operator Transport for Wales (TfW) regarding the Wrexham-Bidston line.

Transport for Wales (TFW) introduced the Class 230 trains to the line on Monday, April 3 in an "soft lunch" to tackle issues - but, 'minor technical issues' arose.

Mark Isherwood raised concerns from local residents during a meeting of the Welsh Parliament in the Senedd during the Business Statement at the Senedd on May 16. 

The MS quoted the Wrexham-Bidston Rail Users’ Association Committee who have voiced concerns, along with others, about the service on the rail line.

Mr Isherwood also highlighted calls for it to be transferred to another operator.

He said: “I call for a Statement from the Deputy Minister for Climate Change on the Wrexham-Bidston rail line.

"The Wrexham-Bidston Rail Users’ Association Committee issued a Statement, after meeting on Friday, March 24, and unanimously agreed ‘that something, has to change as TfW appears incapable of delivering an acceptable service on the Wrexham-Bidston line'."

He said: "They added that 'This Association is not alone in voicing its criticism, other Rail User Groups have the same concerns about this operator’s incompetence'; that  ‘There is already a chorus of voices saying that the Wrexham-Bidston line should be transferred to another operator with a better focus on the Mersey-Dee region'.

"That, ‘the Welsh Government should instigate an independent review of TfW to determine where the root cause of the problems lie and what needs to be done to rectify the situation';

"That, with Transport for Wales running its first Class 230 battery-diesel hybrid train in passenger services on the Wrexham-Bidston Borderlands line, ‘the maintenance plan is based on having just two trains in service, increasing to three in the medium term’;

"And, that ‘it will be a significant waste of public money if all five class 230s do not enter service, rotating with four in service and one out in maintenance or as standby’. I therefore call for a Statement on that matter also.”

Responding, the Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths MS, said: “In relation to the Wrexham to Bidston line, there have clearly been some major issues. I'm sure you've seen the many buses parked outside Wrexham general station, as have I, but I'm very pleased that Transport for Wales now do have their new class 230 trains on the line, and I hope those difficulties now have been rectified.”

Transport for Wales has been approached for comment on the matter.