THE MP for Vale of Clwyd, James Davies, is concerned that Avanti West Coast has not increased the number of direct rail services between the North Wales coast and London to six a day each way, as promised.

The company's services were scaled back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But with all restrictions now lifted, in the last several months, Dr Davies has been calling for train services to return to pre-pandemic levels.

He welcomed news from Avanti West Coast in June that it would be running a virtually pre-pandemic timetable of six direct services each way from September 12.

But this has not happened and, in fact, the number of direct services has currently dropped to just one per day southbound.

Last week after contacting Avanti, Dr Davies received a response citing "the dramatic drop in people willing to work overtime" (for their company) as the reason why.

He said: "Avanti West Coast have assured me that they are working hard to rebuild their timetable in a 'resilient and sustainable' way.

“Whilst I appreciate their efforts, it does not help those rail users who are currently being inconvenienced by the much-reduced service.

"Due to the pandemic, and then the rail strikes, rail-users have faced over two and a half years of constant disruption. It simply isn't good enough.

"Travelling by train has become challenging. I have endured some nightmare rail journeys myself in recent months on both Avanti and Transport for Wales.

"If we are to ensure that people continue using our rail services, it is essential that all passengers are provided with a convenient and rapid service which they can rely on.

"Getting to and from London from North Wales by rail in this day and age should be fast and effortless, but sadly this is not currently the case.

"Avanti West Coast need to act swiftly to resolve the issues they are facing, so that the promised six direct services each way between London and North Wales are up and running very soon. I will continue applying pressure until they are."

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In response, a spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said: “We know we’re not delivering the service our North Wales customers rightly expect and we apologise for the enormous frustration and inconvenience.

“Our customers and communities deserve a dependable train service, so we’re currently working hard to rebuild our timetable in a resilient and sustainable way.

“Resolving this situation requires a robust plan that will allow us to gradually increase services without being reliant on traincrew overtime, which has fallen dramatically in recent weeks. We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding.”