Council explores funding options for new station

Chloe Hughes
BBC News, West Midlands
Weston Williamson & Partners A sketch of the outside of a railway station that has large glass windows, with bushes and trees around. there are dozens of people walking around nearbyWeston Williamson & Partners
An early concept shows how a new Parkway station in Shrewsbury could look

A council is looking into options for funding a new railway station.

Shropshire Council first announced plans for a potential new station - called Shrewsbury Parkway - in January.

It would sit on the east side of the town, aiming to reduce traffic at the main station.

Now, the authority said it was working with a new rail operator, Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR) and consultancy business SLC Rail, to investigate the feasibility and private funding options for the new station.

The plans are part of a wider transport scheme for the town, called Shrewsbury Moves, a 10-year plan to transform movement across the town.

The proposals were developed by Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury Business Improvement District.

WSMR is also currently behind plans to introduce a direct train service between Wrexham, Shrewsbury and London.

"This is great news and an important first step forward for a parkway station that would provide a further boost for Shrewsbury and its transport infrastructure and attract the investment needed to help make our town an even better place for people to come to, whether to visit, live or work," said Dave Parry, chair of the Big Town Plan partnership.

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