CAMPAIGNERS seeking the electrification of a key railway line linking Merseyside and North Wales have welcomed comments made by government ministers.
Wirral South MP Alison McGovern has been among those pushing the government to support Wrexham-Bidston electrification plans.
Responding to a question from the MP in parliament, Wales Office minister Stephen Crabb MP said the government is “working very closely” with the Welsh Assembly “to build the business case for the electrification and further improvements in the North Wales lines”.
His comments follow a recent statement made by Welsh Communities minister Carl Sargeant AM, who said last week that the Labour Welsh Government would explore options for the electrification of lines in the North East of Wales, including the Bidston to Wrexham line.
Ms McGovern said: “I welcome the Government's commitment to work with the Labour Welsh Government.
“There has been a long, hard-fought campaign to get improvements to this line. And whilst electrification will not happen overnight, and may still take another 10-15 years, this is a positive step.”
Ms McGovern also said she is due to meet Carl Sargeant, the MP for Wrexham Ian Lucas, and Liam Robinson, the chair of Merseytravel, to discuss how they can work together to make sure they provide an efficient railway service on the west of Wirral and ensure electrification “becomes reality”.
