Rail service changes come into effect

West Midlands Railway has introduced an additional hourly service to Birmingham

Changes to rail services from Shropshire have come into effect, bringing more trains to Birmingham, and the cancellation of a direct service to the capital.

West Midlands Railway has added an extra hourly service from Monday to Saturday between Birmingham and Shrewsbury, via Wolverhampton.

But the direct Avanti West Coast route from Shrewsbury to London has ended due to low passenger numbers, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).

Passengers must now change at least once to get to the capital.

West Midlands Railway's additional hourly service will operate a faster service to Shifnal, Telford Central and Wellington, according to the operator.

However, it said journey times would be longer from Bilbrook, Codsall, Albrighton, Cosford and Oakengates, and departure times would change.

There would also no longer be a direct, regular connection between those stations and Smethwick Galton Bridge.

Avanti West Coast made the decision to cease its direct train between Shropshire and London in February.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the service, which consisted of one train a day in each direction, saw between 40 and 60 daily passengers.

Without the direct service, passengers must change in Birmingham, Wolverhampton or Crewe.