Local MP Lembit Öpik joins Campaign to get More Direct Trains to London

9.42.44am GMT Tue 2nd Mar 2010

The Office of Rail Regulation today announced its decision to reject Arriva Trains Wales application to run two daily direct services between Aberystwyth and London Marylebone. Local MP Lembit Öpik and Arriva Trains Wales are exploring other avenues to get a direct service to London for the people of Montgomeryshire.

Lembit says: "I'm really disappointed at the refusal of the plans. The service we currently have is less user friendly than the one we had last century. We should not have to put up with the current situation and I'm going to do all I can to improve the service we receive!"

He adds: "I support Arriva Trains Wales' plans completely. I believe that a direct rail link to London would boost tourism and the economy in Mid Wales and Shropshire and would provide a valuable additional service to local people. Montgomeryshire is currently one of the few counties left in Britain without a direct link to the capital after the last link to London was withdrawn in 1991.