Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions has she had with Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway since their open access application was rejected in July 2025.
Answered by Simon Lightwood
My Department provided its support for Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway’s (WSMR) original application in February 2025 and officials have met with WSMR since July to discuss its views regarding the regulator’s decision to reject their application due to lack of capacity on the West Coast Main Line.
The Department respects the ORR’s ruling and acknowledges that large areas of the network are already operating at full capacity, but remains open to further engagement with WSMR – and other Open Access operators – as may be required in the future.
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