FOCUS ON N.WALES COAST RAILWAY LINKS TO ENGLAND

NORTH Wales’s rail links with England are on the initial Union Connectivity Review priority list to boost transport across the UK.

In June, Sir Peter Hendy CBE was tasked by the Prime Minister with exploring ways in which transport can better connect all parts of the United Kingdom.

The interim report has been published with the UK Government to consult on cutting air passenger duty on internal UK flights, and committing £20m to develop plans for upgraded rail, road, sea and air links.

The four-strong list includes “Improved rail connectivity between the North coast of Wales and England”.

This has been a focus of rail campaign group Growth Track 360, which has been asking for extra money for key improvements – including rail electrification and better links from the region. North

Wales rail passengers could also benefit under another project to look at options to enhance the West Coast Mainline. Mr Hendy’s final report in the summer will identify specific transport upgrades that could form the backbone of the network’s ambitions.

Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has hailed the fact that an independent report to strengthen transport connections between all parts of the UK has understood the needs of North Wales. He has been calling for improved rail links between North Wales and Manchester, Liverpool and Crewe.

Sir Peter Hendy CBE said: “Devolution has been good for transport but has also led to a lack of attention to connectivity between the four nations, due to competing priorities and complex funding. A UK Strategic Transport Network could resolve this.”