AN additional train service between Wrexham and Bidston has been given the all-clear following a review. 

Today, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) announced its decision to use railway track capacity between Wrexham and Bidston for Transport for Wales Rail Limited (TfW) and GB Railfreight Limited (GBR).

The decision will see both more passenger services and greater certainty for freight trains on the line.

The rail regulator’s independent review was needed because TfW and GBR, had both applied for capacity that could not be accommodated together.

Initial applications were rejected, but following a review into capability, operational issues, and a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed services, there has been a positive outcome for both parties.

Currently, TfW operates an hourly passenger service between Wrexham and Bidston while GBR freight services use sections of the track to serve Deeside and Avonmouth from the Padeswood Cement Works.

TfW will now be able to run two trains per hour for most of the day, instead of the current one per hour.

This will provide a step change improvement to the passenger service provision in North Wales. 

Equally, the decision reflects a positive outcome for the freight trains at Padeswood.

Each freight train on this line equates to the removal of 36 HGVs from the roads, bringing associated environmental benefits to the local area. 

Stephanie Tobyn, Director of Strategy, Policy and Reform at ORR said: “We are pleased to have reached a decision that promotes passenger and freight growth in line with our duties through an increase in passenger services and placing the freight trains serving the cement works on a firm contractual basis.

“Our review of the applications identified areas where Network Rail needs to improve its management of granting access to the rail network. We will continue to monitor the Wales and Borders route on these issues.”