Wirral 320

WIRRAL’S cabinet member for transport is aiming to increase the pressure on Merseytravel to build two new railway stations in the borough.

In a Notice of Motion – to be considered at a meeting of full council next week – the Liberal Democrat Cllr Jean Quinn is calling for more progress to be made on electrification of the Bidston – Wrexham railway line. She said it is a “vital project to provide improved access to employment opportunities”.

Cllr Quinn, cabinet member transport services, said: “Wirral has been waiting since the 1970s for the mid-Wirral railway line to be electrified. Despite studies being conducted into the feasibility of this, little real progress has been made.

“In order to grow our way out of the current economic crisis we need investment in public infrastructure projects. Top of the priority list for such investment should be projects which prepare communities for recovery.

“The Bidston – Wrexham Borderlands electrification fits this bill perfectly.”

“Network Rail has estimated costs for the electrification and upgrade of the whole Bidston to Wrexham line is over £200m. What the Liberal Democrats are calling for is that the project to be broken down into more affordable stages. For example, the project could start with the provision of new stations at Prenton and Beechwood in the short term, followed by electrification between Bidston and Woodchurch in the medium term and then further electrification along the route as required.”

A spokesman for Merseytravel said the transport authority could not comment until after the notice had been debated at the council meeting.