Rail regulator blocks new London-Wrexham and London-Rochdale services over line congestion

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) refused applications for new direct services linking London with Wrexham and Rochdale, arguing that the crowded west coast main line lacks the space needed for additional trains. The same regulator also rejected Avanti’s bid for more London-Blackpool journeys, while permitting one extra London-Chester evening run that would otherwise have operated as a non-revenue “ghost train.” Earlier, the ORR had dismissed an independent open-access proposal from the Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway Company, and it again turned down a revised Lumo service to Rochdale.

ORR officials said that adding more services would reduce the timetable’s resilience, increasing the risk of widespread delays. The move follows previous controversy over a barred Manchester-London service and reflects ongoing pressure on the southern section of the line.