Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR) has submitted a new application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to operate direct services from Wrexham to London Euston starting in December 2026.

The plan proposes four direct services each way, calling at Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Nuneaton. This application follows a previous rejection by the ORR in July 2025 over capacity and safety concerns related to foot crossings, although the remaining safety issues have now been withdrawn. The new submission also makes use of Avanti West Coast train paths that have been released and remain unused.

WSMR said:

“Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway is committed to delivering the connectivity that communities across Wales and England need and deserve. Our resubmitted application reflects stakeholder feedback and demonstrates how we’ve listened to MPs and regional partners who urged us to reapply. This application differs from our previous submission, which includes us requesting fewer train paths and offering an additional stop at Wellington, enhancing connectivity for people in Shropshire. Furthermore, by making better use of available capacity – including paths that have been released and remain unused – we aim to strengthen regional links and support economic growth. WSMR’s new open access service will provide faster, more convenient travel options for passengers in Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Wellington, Telford, Walsall and beyond, improving access to jobs, education and leisure opportunities. We remain committed to introducing this service for the regions we serve and delivering benefits for communities along the route.”

Local leaders have voiced strong support for the proposal. Councillor David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council and Lead Member for Strategic Transport, said:

“Wrexham Council has continued to support improvements to rail services and this is now a priority to improve links to the midlands and London Euston. Following positive discussions with WSMR we fully support their new application. The investment in Wrexham as a place, and the success of Wrexham Football Club, provides real opportunities to build major transport links to support the city’s aspirations. The DFT have previously supported the application.”

Councillor Bithell added:

“The council will be lobbying all our MPs and MSs, and are meeting WSMR next week to secure these vital services. Wrexham is a thriving and growing city and new rail services not only create jobs and growth, but support better connectivity to the midlands and London Euston.”

Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said:

“This is an exciting time for Wrexham as a city ,and direct rail services to London Euston not only provide better rail services, but investment opportunities for Wrexham and the wider region.”

Image: WSMR