All aboard in 2009: Atherstone to London Euston and Liverpool rail link confirmed

The long awaited confirmation of a direct Atherstone to London Euston and Liverpool rail link has now been announced. The service should be up and running in early 2009, which will mean new direct services from Rugeley, Atherstone and Polesworth for the first time in years.

The start date is subject to delivery of brand new rail stock (shown right) known as Desiro and manufactured in Germany.

New 100mph Super Lightweights

The Desiros can travel at 100mph and offer air conditioning, wider seats, advanced passenger information systems, CCTV, plus facilities for disabled passengers. They are part of a new generation of light, modular trains which have become widespread in many European countries; sometimes referred to as “light train”. These trains are relatively cheap to build and operate. Fast acceleration makes them suitable for train services with a short station distance. However, they are sometimes criticized for their lack of passenger comfort.

They are already used for some Birmingham to Coventry, Rugby and Northampton trains - and will be extended to more West Coast Main Line services.

The changes will also mean more trains - cut back in recent years for engineering work - on Trent Valley local services serving Stafford, Rugeley, Lichfield, Tamworth, Atherstone and Nuneaton.

The service is expected to be on a hourly basis with a journey time to London of 90 minutes

Opens up opportunities says Councillor Freer.

Commenting on the news, town councillor Lorraine Freer said,

“We need to be planning now for this new service. Extra car parking land is available near to the station and and as a council we have an obligation to make sure that the site is ready on time. This is good news for Atherstone and opens up opportunities for the traders in the town, together with the prospect of general economic growth within the area.”