A CAMPAIGN has been launched to secure £1bn of rail improvements which would transform the North Wales and Cheshire regional economy and deliver 70,000 jobs over 20 years.
The campaign – called Growth track 360 – is being led by a cross-border alliance of business, political and public sector leaders.
If successful, it would lead to a massive boost to the North Wales, Cheshire and Wirral economies, linking them with the planned HS2 line between London and the North of England.
The campaign is calling for the electrification of the line from Crewe to North Wales so the region can be linked to HS2 and fast London trains can continue to Bangor and Holyhead, the doubling of trains between the North Wales Coast Line and Wrexham to Manchester through Chester, between Wrexham and Liverpool via Deeside and Bidston, investment in new rolling stock, new services between Liverpool and Liverpool Airport to North Wales and Wrexham via Chester.
Linked to the proposals would be signalling and line speed improvements, upgrades to station facilities and the creation of a smart ticketing system.
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The campaign is being driven by the North Wales and Mersey Dee Rail Task Force (NW&MD) and has the backing of the region’s eight local authorities, the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, the Mersey Dee Alliance, the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, the North Wales Business Council and the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.
Initial research suggests delivery of the improvements would lead to an estimated 70,000 new jobs across the North Wales and Mersey Dee region and the fast-tracking of economic growth.
Cllr Dilwyn Roberts, Conwy County Borough Council Leader, said: “Our vision is for a smart, modern and integrated public transport system which can help us unlock the region’s full economic potential, ensuring we can fulfil our status as an integral part of the Northern Powerhouse and help to address the imbalance in the UK economy.”
Colin Brew, CEO of West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “Additional capacity and faster journey times on our rail network will reduce road congestion and massively improve commuter, tourist and freight movements across the region.”
The Welsh Government’s Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates, said: “Connecting people to jobs and businesses to growth opportunities is a must if the economy of North Wales is to continue to grow and reach its undoubted potential. ref Pioneer