Rail use in Shropshire increases by more than 10 per cent

Shropshire County Council is celebrating after figures have shown that the number of journeys made by train in Shropshire has risen by 10.35 per cent across the county, over the last financial year.

Shifnal station saw the highest increase, where the number of passengers was up by a massive 28.5 per cent, with Ludlow, Church Stretton, Craven Arms, and Wem all recording growth of around 12 per cent. Shrewsbury station also saw an increase in passengers by over 9 per cent.

These figures were supplied by both Arriva Trains Wales and London Midland Trains, and cover all 16 stations in the county for the period April 2007 to April 2008.

John Everall, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: "This is good news, and shows that passengers are returning to rail across the county, and are leaving their cars at home."

Mansel Williams, Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Councillor for Belle Vue, said: "This clearly shows the choice the people of Shrewsbury are making. Government and the rail industry must now take seriously the message being sent by the residents of Shropshire, and invest more in railways across the country."

25 June 2008