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Calls to make Shotton Station key part of North Wales rail network

Nov 18 2010 by Mark Dowling, Flintshire Chronicle

CALLS have been made to make Shotton Station a North Wales rail hub following its £1m revamp.

A reader wrote to the Chronicle this week calling for work to make the station become a key part of the national network.

Businessman Joseph Kelly said with its location ‘Shotton should be an obvious candidate for major rail development, both passenger and goods, with all the benefits that would bring for local industry and commerce’.

He called on politicians to ‘make the strongest possible case for Shotton to become a major rail interchange in the future’.

And his idea has been backed by town councillors and MP Mark Tami, who are hoping the plan gathers steam.

Cllr Elwyn Jones said: “All the London trains stop at Flint, whereas I would say Shotton was better situated with the North East Wales corridor line.

“It would make obvious sense for Shotton to be the main station, linked with the new bus services.

“That was what I was looking for on a long-term goal for the town.

“It would not happen overnight – it could take 10 years – but I will be pursuing it.”

Cllr Gary Cooper added: “I think it’s a great idea to improve that link.

“I remember when there used to be a direct Shotton to London Euston service which I used as part of my job, but as part of British Rail it slowly died off.

“I would welcome any linking which would increase footfall into Shotton.

“You can call off at any of the nearby facilities in the town, there is so much readily available for business people.”

Mr Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside, added his support to the idea of more being done to improve the North Wales rail infrastructure.

He said: “Further investment in the railways is crucially important as part of the drive to attract more investment and lower traffic congestion.

“Deeside is in a prime strategic position to attract more inward investment and development of rail networks is critically important to this.”

An 18-month, £1m revamp at the station was unveiled earlier this month.

New facilities include passenger waiting shelters, bicycle storage, automated ticket vending machines and a platform canopy, while the ticket office has been given a much-needed makeover.

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