By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Discussions are underway looking at potentially reinstating open-access rail services between Wrexham and London Euston.

The plan has been put forward by Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway Company Ltd (WSMR).

Under the proposals, five trains would run in each direction on Mondays to Saturdays, with four both ways on Sundays. Starting at Wrexham General, trains would make eight stops before arriving at London Euston, including Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and Milton Keynes.

If the bid is successful, the new service will create 50 jobs and the first trains should depart in the summer of 2025.

The application process is competitive and the WSMR’s bid is now in the hands of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), an independent regulator that will analyse the merits of restoring rail services between Wrexham and London, as well as other routes across the UK.

WSMR has been consulting with a wide range of stakeholders and, along with Wrexham Council, I have written a letter of support to the Chief Executive of the ORR, John Larkinson.

Wrexham, and the wider North Wales region, deserves better rail services, particularly now the spotlight is on our city like never before. North Wales is a destination of choice for many travellers so it is vital we have fast, frequent and reliable rail services.

I will continue to do all I can to support the WSMR’s proposals.

Woody’s Lodge, a charity dedicated to supporting veterans, former emergency service personnel and their families, opened its very first shop in Wrexham last month.

It was a real pleasure to be invited along to the grand opening. As a city with a proud military tradition, Wrexham is the ideal location for a charity shop which is committed to raising vital funds for veterans in Wales.

In addition to offering a wide variety of pre-loved clothing, accessories, homeware and more, the shop will feature a unique display of military memorabilia, kindly loaned by local veterans and associations.

Establishing a presence in the city centre will also help raise greater awareness of the essential services Woody’s Lodge provides.

The new shop can be found on Chester Street and is part of the Ty Pawb complex. It was lovely to meet the team and volunteers and I wish them all the very best.

If you’re a constituent and there is an issue I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743.