The numbers of people using the rail line to Wrexham would increase fivefold to one million a year by 2020 if it was electrified.

The cost of electrifying from Bidston to Wrexham – which would clear the way for through trains to Liverpool – is £59million.

It seems a reasonable price to pay for a sustainable transport system for the area.

The extension to Merseyrail’s third-rail system is justifiable because of the wide economic benefits it would produce, consultants reported.

But mindful of the penny-pinching attitude of the Government, Faber Maunsell has given the cheaper options. It would cost only £16million to electrify from Bidston to a new station at Woodchurch, and £36million to go as far as Shotton.

At the moment, diesel trains operate on the line but would not be able to provide a through service to Liverpool because only electric trains are allowed in the Mersey tunnels.

Annual revenue would increase from £420,000 to £2.19milllion if the line was electrified.

Local authorities are reported to be committed to electrification.

However on 9 March 2006 the Department for Transport (North West) proudly announced another £48million for roads just a few miles away from the Wrexham-Bidston line.

Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman gave the go-ahead for the £48.2m improvement scheme for the A550 and A5117 between the Deeside Park junction of the A550 and A548 and the M56 junction 16 at Dunkirk.

The proposed improvements “will help to improve safety, tackle congestion and provide better facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders”.

Stephen Ladyman said: "This scheme is good news for local people and all those who use this busy stretch of road. The announcement demonstrates the Government's continuing commitment to tackle congestion and improve safety on our roads."


For a more sensible approach see: Electrify

And for a history of the line: history