A major local authority in Wales has raised concerns that rail devolution in neighbouring regions of England could hamper its development, where service demand has grown dramatically.
Official statistics record an 800% increase in passenger numbers at Wrexham Central from 2002-03 to 2012-13. This is partly due to improvements in revenue protection. There was a further 27% growth in passengers using the station in 2013-14 (from 2012-13), although the hourly service frequency has not changed for decades.
Wrexham CBC’s David A Bithell, lead member for environment and public protection, told Transport Network: ‘We’ve got to make sure that what happens in England doesn’t greatly affect us over the border. We’re very close to Chester. Connectivity and cross-border issues must be taken into account.’
A recent officers’ report also warned the council that: ‘Rail devolution in both the West Midlands and the North of England is underway. This may have implications on any direct services that Wrexham aspires to.’
The council's executive this week endorsed a set of aspirations including half-hourly services in all three directions from Wrexham and direct trains to Manchester and Liverpool and both cities’ airports. Wrexham currently has trains to Birmingham New Street and Birmingham airport.
A spokesman for Rail North declined to comment, because Wrexham was ‘out of area’ by some margin.
Wrexham CBC will take its rail aspirations to the Welsh Government as preparations begin for the next Wales and Borders franchise, due to start in 2018.
Separately, it will introduce parking charges at Ruabon station, where passenger numbers have more than tripled over a decade. The car park was extended in 2012 but is full by 9am daily, with non-rail users occupying some spaces.
