To unlock the county’s economic potential, businesses and organisations in Shropshire have backed proposals to improve the railway line between Shrewsbury, Telford, the Black Country and Birmingham.

A report released today, Tuesday, 27th August, by Midlands Connect outlines how businesses in Shropshire feel improved rail connections could have a positive impact on their operations.

There is an overwhelming feeling that investment in the line could transform the region by unlocking employment opportunities, supporting sustainability targets, attracting visitors to the area, and opening up new markets.

Earlier this summer a second, hourly, West Midlands Railway service was introduced between Birmingham, the Black Country, and Shrewsbury.

Although this train provides an additional fast service, further investment is needed to unlock the region’s economic potential.

Among the proposed improvements are increasing the line speed to 90 miles per hour and improvements to the line’s signalling.

The speed improvement could be achieved by two minor re-alignments along the route. Future proposals include electrification and an hourly service between London and Shrewsbury.

In compiling its report, Midlands Connect spoke with a number of firms and organisations in Shrewsbury and Telford, some of which employ thousands of people. Among those contacted were Pheonix Group, with offices in Telford and Birmingham, Cove Group, HM Revenue & Customs, Visit Shropshire, and a local business organisation, Country Land and Business Association.

Last year, Transport for Wales and Visit Shropshire announced they were to work together to advertise the ease and benefits of travelling in the county by train. In March this year, train builder Alstom announced plans to run an open access train operation called the Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway that will link London with Wrexham, Gobowen, Walsall and Coleshill, as well as Darlaston when that station opens.

Having read the report, Shaun Davies, the new MP for Telford, has also voiced his support for the plans and has urged the Department for Transport to proceed with funding the improvements.

As the MP for Telford, I wholeheartedly support Midlands Connect’s outline business case for funding to improve the Birmingham to Telford to Shrewsbury rail line, allowing for faster and more frequent trains along the route.

Shaun Davies, MP for Telford

I believe that this project will help level up the Black Country, support economic development in Shropshire and unlock the fantastic growth of Telford in the years ahead.

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect