Train company closing with loss of 55 jobs

??A train company that runs services through the West Midlands is to close on Friday with the loss of 55 jobs, it was announced today.

Wrexham & Shropshire, which operates trains between Wrexham and London Marylebone, blamed falling customers numbers due to the economic downturn for the decision.

When it was launched less than three years ago, restoring direct services to the capital after a gap of 41 years, trains stopped at 10 stations between Wrexham and London, including Shrewsbury, Telford, Cosford and Tame Bridge Parkway on the border of Walsall and Sandwell.

It also stopped at Wolverhampton, but was only allowed to drop off passengers.

In a letter given to passengers at Wrexham General station this morning, Wrexham & Shropshire chairman Adrian Shooter said the firm had lost £2.8 million in 2010.

He said: "We have done every thing possible to try to reduce the losses. We have reached the conclusion that the business has no prospect of providing a return on investment."

Mr Shooter said alternative jobs in the railway industry were being sought for staff affected. Tickets bought for the service for after this Friday will be accepted by some other carriers on appropriate services to and from London Euston and London Marylebone.