COUNCILLORS in Chirk are hoping the town will be included along a direct train route to London from North Wales.

It was revealed last Wednesday, that a direct train route between Llandudno and London is being planned to be in service over the summer periods, beginning in May 2021.

Chirk was previously part of a direct route to London Marylebone which ceased in 2011.

Since it discontinued, many MPs and councillors have backed plans to reinstate a direct route.

Councillor Terry Evans, Wrexham County Borough Councillor for Chirk South, welcomed the idea and insists he would like to see Chirk as a stop on the service.

He said he believes the high volume of passengers at the station warrants this type of service.

“When the plans come into place, I would really like to see the train stop in Chirk,” Cllr Evans said.

“It used to years ago when there was a service that ran to London, so I think it would be good to see again.

“Chirk is a busy station like many nearby. Ruabon, Wrexham and Gobowen are all similar and all have a lot of people at the station daily.”

With the plans not set to be in place until the summer of 2021, Cllr Evans added that in an ideal scenario, he would have liked to see the service introduced at an earlier date.

He said: “I would prefer to see it sooner, but it looks as though we’ll have to wait.

“I think it’s something that will benefit a lot of business people in the area who have to travel between North Wales and London.

“In that sense, it is very important to enhance the links.”

Chairman of Chirk Town Council, Cllr Brian Colley echoed Cllr Evans’ thoughts.

“I absolutely agree – a stoppage on this service in Chirk is definitely something I’d like to see,” he said.

“We have a very important station here in Chirk, so it’s very important to have connections with it.

“Chirk is an emerging town which is growing economically through tourism.

“This means connections to the town are important.”

Cllr Colley said he believes a rail line between the town and London supports plans for the development of Chirk going forward.

He added: “We hosted a visioning event earlier in the year to look at the next 10 to 15 years in Chirk.

“We looked at economic development and tourism and how we can support the local industry, so transport links are certainly a part of that.”