Network Rail objects to Wrexham to London service

Concerns have been raised about plans for a direct rail service between Wrexham and London, including fears over safety at level crossings.

Network Rail warned the line was already congested and there was not enough timetable capacity for extra services.

In a report, it said increased use would raise the risk of a collision at crossings along the route and that it could not support the application, put forward by a new open-access rail operator called the Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR).

The new service would link Wrexham, Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Walsall and Coleshill up with the capital.

Network Rail's report, which has been sent to the Office of Rail and Road, highlighted a number of crossings where it believed there would be an increased risk.

They include the Viaduct level crossing in Shropshire, which it said was "used by large groups and is also a hot spot for trespassing and fatalities".

The operator said work would need to be carried out to make it safe.

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has previously spoken out on the safety of the crossing, which is close to the Chirk Viaduct.

She has written to Network Rail to request additional safety measures be put in place.

Network Rail said it had reviewed the safety of the crossing and brought forward plans to install crossing lights, which should be in place in December this year.