06/03/2008 by admin.

WREXHAM AM, Lesley Griffiths has arranged and headed-up a top level meeting in Cardiff yesterday, to discuss progress on the electrification of the Borderlands Railway Line between Wrexham and Bidston.

The AM - who, along with Ian Lucas MP - has been at the forefront of the campaign to bring the proposed scheme into fruition, arranged the first meeting between the Welsh Transport Minister, Ieaun Wyn Jones and Merseytravel Chief Executive, Neil Scales.

Carl Sargeant AM (Alyn & Deeside) and Councillor Chris Blakeley, a Member of the Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority also attended the meeting. The Welsh Assembly Government and Merseytravel are currently co-funding the acceleration of a technical feasibility study into the electrification of the Borderlands (Wrexham to Bidston) railway line.

The feasibility study is being conducted by Network Rail and the results are expected to be presented to the Assembly Government in the coming days.If it goes ahead, the scheme would be funded jointly by the Welsh Assembly Government, the Department for Transport and Regional and Local Transport Authorities - including Merseytravel (Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority).

Lesley Griffiths has frequently raised the issue of the Borderlands line in the Welsh Assembly and has met with the Transport Minister previously to discuss the matter.
Commenting after yesterday’s important meeting, Lesley Griffiths AM said: “This was a very important meeting as it was the first opportunity for the Transport Minister, Ieaun Wyn Jones, to meet with Neil Scales and hear for himself just how committed Mersytravel are to this scheme coming into fruition.

“Merseytravel Chief Executive, Neil Scales, is a key partner in this scheme and I was anxious that he and the Minister had the opportunity to discuss ways of ensuring that the electrification of the line take place as soon as possible.

“Mr Scales assured the Minister that Merseytravel are 100% committed to this project and that the business case for the scheme is viable and worthy of Welsh Assembly Government support. Indeed, Merseytravel today committed themselves to fund the next-stage report into the infrastructure requirements for the line.

“The much anticipated Feasibility Study by Network Rail is due to be handed over to the Welsh Assembly Government and Merseytravel in the next few days - and I along with everyone interested in this scheme looks forward to its publication.

“This line has great potential for the region as a whole. It has the total support of AMs in North East Wales and also MPs from both sides of the border.

“I believe the case for the electrification of the Borderlands line going ahead is overwhelming. That’s why I am determined to do all I can to make sure it becomes a reality.”

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06/03/2008 by admin.

A business networking event is to be held in the White Waters Country Hotel, Llangollen on March 12. Local business representatives can explore the benefits of bilingualism in business with staff from the Welsh Language Board. Contact Momentwm on 01352 754212 or email nicola@momentwm.com to register for the event.

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