THE vice-chair of Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council believes the potential for a new rail service which would run directly between Gobowen and London would be a positive move for the area.

Councillor Craig Emery responded to the news that a direct train will run between Llandudno and London, starting in May 2021.

The councillor made it clear he would like to see Gobowen as one of the stops along the route, as it would help to better link the area with other places and would be another step towards making the place greener.

“I think it’s certainly a positive thing for Gobowen and its surrounding area,” said Cllr Emery.

“Train links are very high on our agenda; we want to enhance the rail links and other transport links as much as we can.

“The council has been focusing heavily on public transport links because of the green element that comes with it.

“As well as improved rail links, we would like to add better bike routes between Gobowen and Oswestry.

“It would be good to see more connections between Oswestry and the surrounding villages by way of pathways and cycle routes to offer more access and to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Cllr Emery also believes the rail service would offer huge potential and job prospects for the nearby residents.

He also gave a mention to those helping to run the station, and said their work is deserved of the best rail services for Gobowen.

He said: “Links to places like London open huge potential for the people in an expanding village like ours.

“These routes open up more job prospects for people in the area.

“On top of that, the more we can do to get more cars off the road, the better.

“The guys who work at the station deserve services like this one as they do an absolutely fantastic job at the station.

“The effort they put in to ensure the station is run so well warrants the best services.”