Response to the decision from Office of Rail and Road – 8 October 2026

The Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR) has issued a statement following the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) rejecting its application on 8 October 2026 to run services between North Wales, Shropshire, the Midlands and London:

“We are disappointed with the Office of Rail and Road’s decision to reject our application, especially after the effort we’ve made to overcome the concerns raised by statutory consultees over the past two-and-a-half years.

“Improving connectivity is a driver of economic growth and productivity, and WSMR would have unlocked much-needed educational, leisure and work opportunities for communities between North Wales, Midlands and London corridor. WSMR complements plans for Great British Railways by introducing direct connectivity that will attract new passengers to the rail market.

“Since our application was submitted in March 2024, we have received overwhelming backing from local people, businesses, councillors and MPs, who all recognise the urgent need for this improved connectivity. We are very grateful for this support.”

Details on the ORR response can be found here.