Welsh gov’t missed rail link opportunity
A CHESHIRE MP has accused Welsh Labour of having presided over ‘a missed opportunity’ in not upgrading the Halton Curve rail line while in power.
Antoinette Sandbach, Conservative, Eddisbury, said the Government’s investment in the overhaul of the route will ‘significantly’ boost services between her constituency and North Wales.
She said Welsh Labour ministers could have included scheme in the Trans-European Transport Network during the last round of applications for European funding, branding it a ‘failure’.
Services are due to start running on the upgraded 1.5 miles of track from December this year.
They will allow passenger trains to run in both directions all year round between north Wales and Liverpool with stops including in Helsby, Frodsham and Runcorn. ●
It is expected to cost a maximum of £18.75m and is hoped to ease congestion on the major road network while boosting connectivity.
Alun Cairns, Conservative, Secretary Of State For Wales, said: “The Halton curve, which is approaching £18m in terms of the spending cap, is an exciting project because it is a relatively simple, straightforward investment that will bring direct services to Liverpool again, improving cross-border connectivity, releasing new opportunities for economic growth and development. We want to integrate it into both the North West of England and the Wales and borders franchises.”