THE NEW Wales rail franchise is looking to upgrade train stations in the region.

It comes as part of a £200m modernisation programme to improve several local stations and services in the area.

Chirk train station features in a list of stations set for upgrades, along with Ruabon station and Wrexham General.

Assembly Member Ken Skates spoke to passengers about the new Wales rail franchise during a campaign day at Ruabon station as part of Welsh Labour’s National Rail Campaign Day earlier this month.

The Clwyd South AM attended the event that aimed to explain some of the benefits Wales’ new rail operator will bring when it takes over from Arriva next month.

Mr Skates was joined by Chirk North Frank Hemmings and councillors including Dana Davies of Ruabon and Derek Wright of Cefn.

Mr Skates said: “In the coming years, the Welsh Labour Government will deliver a ground-breaking transformation of transport across Wales. It’s extremely exciting and we’ve a great response from passengers.”

KeolisAmey has been contracted to operate the Wales and Borders rail service for the next 15 years, taking over from Arriva Trains Wales in October.

The company will work with Transport for Wales, the non-profit company set up to drive the Welsh Government’s vision of a "world-class, safe, integrated and affordable transport network".

Councillor Frank Hemmings believes that the plans are great for Chirk, and hopes that the better services may see more people coming into the village.

He said: “I understand they’re aiming to upgrade a lot of stations and make them energy saving, and also they’re hoping to double the amount of trains and have new trains on the tracks making the services better.

“I think it’s what we need to hopefully bring more people to Chirk and to encourage more people in the region to use public transport more.

“There has been a lack of investment in Welsh public transport over the past 20 years or so, so it’s great to see this happening.”