Lembit Öpik MP and Mick Bates AM support Inaugural Train Service
12.00.00am GMT Tue 16th Dec 2008
Ben Davis, Stakeholder Manager, with Lembit Öpik MP and Mick Bates AM at Welshpool Train Station
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Lembit Öpik MP attended a meeting at Welshpool train station with representatives from Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail, to show his support for the recent improvement in local train services. Instead of terminating at Birmingham New Street, most trains from Aberystwyth will now go on to Birmingham International.
Lembit said:
"It is fantastic to see the train companies working so hard to improve our transport links. The new link will be of great benefit both to local people and businesses."
At the meeting Lembit also took the opportunity to raise various local concerns, including the reliability of the train service, and the quality of the facilities at Welshpool train station. Lembit received assurances that the train companies are aware of these issues, and have plans to act on them in the near future. He was told that a state-of-the-art signalling system will be in place by late next year, which should see a significant improvement in train reliability. Service providers are also looking into cleaning up the station, improving the shelter on the platform, and providing live departure boards.
Lembit said:
"It's a work in progress, but at least it is progress."
Mick Bates AM also expressed his support for the extended service by getting on the train at Newtown to travel to the end of the line at Birmingham International and experience the new service for himself.
Commenting on his journey Mick said:
"May I offer my sincere thanks for the hospitality received yesterday on the 'Flying the Flag' train. This is a landmark service that connects Mid Wales to an international airport. This will help in my campaigns for an international sports stadium, further tourism, and major events to be held in Montgomeryshire. The improvement of public transport is vital for both the economy and the environment. The extended service will bring more people into Mid Wales and will be a valuable boost for tourism in the local area. I praise Arriva for taking this bold decision to improve international communications with Mid Wales and I look forward to further improvements in the service in the near future."
End / Diwedd
Picture Captions:
Pic 1: from left to right, Ben Davis, Stakeholder Manager, with Lembit Öpik MP and Mick Bates AM at Welshpool Train Station.
Pic 2: from left to right: member of train staff; Joy Jones Deputy Mayor of Newtown; Mick Bates AM; Sue Lawson, Mayor of Newtown; Ben Davis, Stakeholder Manager; member of train staff.
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Published and promoted by Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats, at 3 Park Street, Newtown, SY16 1EE.
The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider.
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