“I was heartened to see that MP’s from all three parties have made a united demand to the Government’s public transport minister for a “fair run” for the new direct service between the Midlands and London” said Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Shires.

Ian was responding to a headline in the Walsall Express and Star recently which read “Call for new train service to get a fair run” referring to the popular Wrexham,Shropshire and Marylebone Railway service.

“I have to say the feeling was short lived” said Ian ”as it would appear that their idea of a “fair run” was that the minister should intervene to stop what they call a “spoiler” service recently announced by Virgin Trains.

The Virgin Trains service would put Walsall on the rail map providing a much needed direct link to the Capital as well as strengthening the bid for much improved local services with new stations at Willenhall and Aldridge.

“I can’t believe just how selfish and short-sighted the MP’s and Wrexham and Shropshire have been” said Ian. “What they should be doing is fighting to put the Wrexham and Shropshire on a fair footing and we would be prepared to join them in this” continued Ian.

“The service should have free access to Wolverhampton and Birmingham International. At the same time there is a need for the Virgin Trains service as it serves different communities and opens up the prospects for improved local services.”

Ian is to raise the subject with Walsall’s three MP’s when they meet later this week for their regular meeting with the town’s three political leaders and Chief Executive.