Transport minister still aims to have direct service to Liverpool on Borderlands line

A direct “metro” style rail service between Wrexham and Liverpool has been described as an aspiration for the North Wales Metro project, with Cabinet Secretary for Transport Ken Skates MS outlining proposals in the Senedd last week.

The proposed service aims to build on improvements to the Wrexham to Bidston route, enhancing connectivity across the region and into north-west England.

However, progress on the project remains tied to infrastructure upgrades and cooperation with the UK Government, with Mr Skates acknowledging that key elements of the plan are outside the Welsh Government’s control.

 

One of the first steps proposed is to address capacity constraints at Padeswood Cement Works, a bottleneck that currently limits the frequency of passenger services on the Borderlands Line.

Mr Skates suggested that resolving this issue could open the door for further improvements, including two direct trains per hour between Wrexham and Liverpool.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Skates reiterated the Welsh Government’s commitment to the North Wales Metro project, which aims to transform transport links across the region.

He highlighted the importance of better integration with north-west England, saying: “Providing metro-style services in north Wales is a priority, and I’m pleased that there are plans to deliver 50 per cent more TfW services along the north Wales mainline from 2026.”

He added: “Work continues also to improve connectivity in the Mersey-Dee area, particularly the Borderlands Line, with the aspiration to deliver metro services there as well, not just between Wrexham and Bidston, but directly between Wrexham and Liverpool.”

Despite these ambitions, Mr Skates cautioned that delivery would depend on cooperation with UK rail authorities, including Network Rail, which is transitioning to Great British Railways.

Padeswood Cement Works

A key issue affecting the Borderlands Line is freight traffic at Padeswood Cement Works, which reduces capacity for passenger trains.

To address this, a £35 million investment has been proposed to provide direct access to the site’s sidings, increase capacity for cement wagons, and optimise turnout speed.

Mr Skates described this as a potential “oven-ready” project that could be delivered relatively quickly if funding and cooperation are secured.

“The first and most obvious project that could be delivered in a comparatively short period of time is the work that’s required at Padeswood Cement Works,” he said. “I believe that could be delivered within the space of 18 to 24 months.”

If this bottleneck is resolved, the Welsh Government hopes it could lay the groundwork for a more reliable and frequent service along the Borderlands Line.

Proposals suggest increasing services to four trains per hour, including two direct trains to Liverpool. However, these remain long-term ambitions subject to further planning and investment.

Boosting Flintshire’s connectivity

The possibility of direct services to Liverpool would also benefit Flintshire, with stations such as Shotton, Buckley, and Hawarden gaining better access to north-west England.

These improvements are seen as crucial for enhancing access to jobs, education, and economic opportunities in the Mersey-Dee area.

Lesley Griffiths MS, Wrexham’s representative in the Senedd, described the wider North Wales Metro project as a transformative opportunity: “The North Wales Metro is to have a transformative effect on both rail and bus services across the region, as well as improving active travel routes.”

Ms Griffiths raised concerns over delays, noting that the North Wales Transport Commission’s final report was published over a year ago, but its recommendations have yet to be fully adopted.

“Its continued progress is tied into the North Wales Transport Commission’s final report… I’d be grateful if you could give me a timeline for the implementation of the recommendations,” she said.

Sam Rowlands MS echoed concerns over the pace of progress, asking for greater clarity on timelines for delivering the so-called “oven-ready” projects previously mentioned by Mr Skates.

Responding to these concerns, Mr Skates acknowledged that key parts of the rail network remain under UK Government control. “These are projects that are not our responsibility, because we don’t own the rail network in north Wales,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing discussions with UK officials, adding: “I spoke with the rail Minister and the Secretary of State for Transport and indeed the Secretary of State for Wales just before Christmas, where we went through some of those, if you like, oven-ready projects.”

The North Wales Metro remains in development, with the Welsh Government working on a regional transport plan to incorporate recommendations from the North Wales Transport Commission.

Mr Skates said the plan is close to completion and will soon be open for public consultation. “The north Wales metro work and the north Wales regional transport plan are being developed at pace,” he said.

“Beginning with the Padeswood Cement Works infrastructure project, the next sections of the project could be delivered within a matter of years thereafter.”