Plans for direct trains to London detailed

The government have said there is no room in the timetable to allow direct trains from Telford to London.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) concluded that there is insufficient capacity on the southern section of the West Coast Main Line to accommodate the new service without negatively impacting performance for existing passengers and freight customers.

Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a setback for our borough and the wider region. The issue extends beyond one service – it’s about unlocking vital economic, leisure, and commuter benefits for our communities. We’ll continue to make the case for improved connectivity via Telford Central and Wellington stations, while working closely with Shaun Davies MP to drive this agenda forward.”

Carter also reaffirmed his commitment to Wellington Station, noting: “There’s a clear case for Wellington’s inclusion, evidenced by the 700,000 passengers who used the station annually prior to the pandemic.”

The Council remains frustrated by the lack of progress on accessibility improvements at Wellington Station, initially promised seven years ago and still undelivered.

It continues to press for action to better support passengers with mobility impairments.

Telford & Wrekin Council will maintain its advocacy for enhanced rail investment and services, ensuring the borough’s interests remain at the forefront of national transport planning.

Its support aligns with that of Shaun Davies MP, who also recognises the strategic value of improving regional connectivity.