FOLLOWING TWO YEARS of disruption to direct train services between North Wales and London, the number of direct services will be increasing from Sunday (May 15).

After receiving complaints from rail-users in the area frustrated at the lack of direct services between North Wales and London, Avanti West Coast said they are currently running four direct services on weekdays between North Wales and London.

These direct services have been in place since February this year and from Sunday, May 15, more trains will be added to make nine direct services on the North Wales route, with another increase planned for September.

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From Sunday, 15 May the direct services from Colwyn Bay will include southbound journeys at 05.38; 06.42; 14.49; 15.42 and northbound journeys to Colwyn Bay at 09.10; 10.10; 16.10; 18.10 and 19.10.

Welcoming the news, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar said: “Whilst I appreciate the operational resource challenges Avanti West Coast has had to contend with as a result of the pandemic, including Covid-related staff sickness, passengers have been left extremely frustrated by the scaled back service that has been in place over the past two years.

“Those who need to travel to and from London on a regular basis have found it extremely challenging with at first no direct services, and from February only a reduced number compared to before the pandemic.

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“They will therefore very much welcome the additional services from Sunday, and the further direct services from September.

“Having fast, reliable direct services between North Wales is crucial to the region’s recovery from the pandemic.

“I will continue monitoring the situation to ensure the promised additional services from Sunday, and later in year, are delivered and efficient.”