Trains can put us back on track (From Warrington Guardian)

Trains can put us back on track

CHESHIRE County Council is backing the demand for improvements to stations and services along the railway line running through Hartford and Winsford.

A comprehensive strategy for the long-term future of the West Coast Main Line (WCML) was launched by rail campaigners in the House of Commons yesterday, Tuesday.

Through their action plan, campaigners West Coast Rail 250 are urging the Government to show its commitment to investing in stations and extra car parks along the route, ending weekend travel chaos, improving connections between different train operators, doubling the capacity of new Pendolino trains and supporting a new north-south high-speed line, among other demands.

Andrew Needham, Cheshire's executive member for the environment, said: "Cheshire County Council is a member of West Coast Rail 250 and a committed supporter of the new strategy and welcomes the proposals for improving services."

A present upgrade of the line will see 125mph trains running between London and Glasgow by late this year, with further improvements by 2008, but West Coast Rail 250 says more work is needed if the route is to live up to its promise over the next 20 years.

David Robinson, Labour's environment spokesman and Cheshire's representative on West Coast 250, said: "Major gateway stations such as Crewe and Chester require significant upgrades and travellers from smaller stations such as Winsford and Hartford need to feel the full benefits of the WCML upgrade."