Plans for a new direct railway connection linking the West Midlands and North Wales to the capital have been resurrected, five months after regulators initially rejected the proposal.
Revised Proposal Aims to Strengthen Regional Links
Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR) has submitted a fresh application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for an open-access passenger service. This follows the rejection of its first bid in July 2025. The renewed plan strategically utilises recently freed-up capacity on the busy Liverpool to London corridor.
The operator now seeks to run four trains in each direction daily, a reduction of one service from its original proposal. It is applying for an operating contract of at least seven years. A key change in the updated application is the addition of a stop at Wellington in Telford, a move intended to enhance connectivity for Shropshire residents.
Proposed Route and Stations
The planned route promises to connect several communities currently lacking direct London services. The proposed stations include:
- Wrexham
- Gobowen
- Shrewsbury
- Wellington
- Telford
- Wolverhampton
- Walsall
- Coleshill Parkway
- Nuneaton
- Milton Keynes
- London Euston
WSMR has also indicated intentions to incorporate future stations at Willenhall and Darlaston once they become operational. Under the proposed timetable, the first morning service would depart Wrexham at 6.05am, arriving at London Euston by 9.32am.
Operator Commitment and Past Objections
A spokesperson for WSMR stated the resubmission directly reflects feedback from stakeholders, MPs, and regional partners. "We are committed to delivering the connectivity that communities across Wales and England need and deserve," they said. "By making better use of available capacity, including unused released paths, we aim to strengthen regional links and support economic growth."
The operator argues the service will provide faster, more convenient travel, improving access to employment, education, and leisure for passengers along the route. However, the project faces significant hurdles. The ORR's previous rejection was based on concerns that the service would harm performance on the West Coast Main Line.
Network Rail also previously objected, citing worries about increased timetable pressure, crowded infrastructure, disruption to existing passenger patterns, and the additional traffic the new trains would generate. The success of this revised bid will depend on WSMR's ability to convincingly address these operational concerns while demonstrating clear public benefit.
