Wirral South MP calls for Wrexham-Bidston rail line electrification

Dec 8 2008 By Lorna Hughes

WIRRAL South MP Ben Chapman has called for electrification for the Wrexham to Bidston rail line.

In answer to a parliamentary question in the House of Commons last week, Mr Chapman was told by Welsh Office Minister Wayne David that he saw the potential benefits of electrification of the line.

He said: “I am glad the importance of this issue has been acknowledged in Parliament. My constituents receive a poor, slow and unreliable service on the Wrexham-Bidston line, characterised by missed connections, cancellation and delays. This must be rectified.

"It is totally unacceptable that local people do not have a modern and efficient means of transport. Local people rely on this line to get to and from work, to access health services and to reach leisure facilities.

"Plans to electrify the line have been stalled and it is vital that we get them moving again. Network Rail estimate the cost for electrification at the prohibitively high figure of £207. Merseytravel’s estimate is only £66m. Clearly there is a huge disparity and this must be investigated further.

"Electrification might also create and sustain up to 15,000 jobs. This is exactly the kind of investment that our economy badly needs. It could help to revitalise the whole area.

"I very much hope that Network Rail’s estimate will be revised and plans for electrification will be resumed."