Written - Offer of funding for rail depot in Wrexham

The Welsh Assembly Government has today announced an offer of funding for Network Rail to construct a new railway depot at Wrexham.

This latest investment in the railway infrastructure will lead to the creation of 55 new and permanent employment opportunities, and will be available to all Train Operating Companies, including the Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Marylebone Railway (WSMR) and Arriva Trains Wales.

Subject to approval from the Office of the Rail Regulator, this investment will pave the way for the Welsh Assembly Government and Network Rail to engage with WSMR to consider the provision of a regular commercial train service between Wrexham and London.

Network Rail has undertaken a site survey at Wrexham Railway Station and work on the new depot should be completed by the middle of 2007.

The construction of the new depot at Wrexham will not only create over 50 full time jobs but will pave the way for a regular commercial train service to and from Wrexham.

This announcement builds on the record level of investment by the Welsh Assembly Government in our railway network, which has seen the opening of new stations and lines, increased capacity in existing services and substantial steps to improve the safety and comfort of all train users across Wales.

A regular rail service direct from London Marylebone to Wrexham via Shrewsbury would bring many benefits to Wales.  It would improve business and leisure links between north east Wales and London, which will provide a further boost to the economy in the Wrexham area.

There could also be benefits for travellers in mid Wales, along the Cambrian Line who currently have to travel to London via busy interchanges in Birmingham and Wolverhampton.