TRAIN operator Wrexham & Shropshire is giving its services a major overhaul, with a revamped timetable from the start of next month and its first refurbished train about to enter service.

The firm, which links Banbury with Shropshire and north-east Wales, is being allowed to speed up its services, thanks to work to strengthen embankments on the Chiltern Line south of Bicester. This also included fitting specialist monitoring equipment to assess the impact of different trains running at faster speeds.

The changes to train times from Monday, October 5, affect northbound services, with a slightly later morning departure from Banbury, at 8.39am instead of 8am; an extra service at 5.39pm; and an earlier last train, leaving Banbury at 7.39pm, arriving in Shrewsbury at 9.43pm and Wrexham at 10.36pm.

There will be four W&S trains a day on weekdays between Banbury, Telford and Shrewsbury, with three to and from Wrexham.

W&S marketing director Thomas Ableman said: “We’ve listened to passengers and made a real effort to affect timetable changes that will have an impact. This includes an evening peak train that gets to Shropshire and Wrexham at a more reasonable hour.

“Similarly, the slightly later morning service will make these areas more accessible from Oxfordshire and boost both businesses and the tourist sector.”

The firm began operating 16 months ago, using hired coaches while it waited for its refurbished trains to be delivered.

As well as new interiors, the trains offer at-seat Wi-fi Internet access and have a buffet-restaurant service.

For more details of W&S services, see the company's website or call 08452 605900.